Two people have been fined by Leicester Magistrates’ Court for failing to ensure their dogs were identifiable by a collar or tag after being picked up as strays in the district.

Maxine Chapman of Hand Avenue, Leicester, was ordered to pay £1,004 after her two terrier cross dogs were collected in Leicester Forest East on 31 May 2018.

After failing to enter a plea she was fined £440 for each dog and was ordered to pay costs of £80 and a £44 victim surcharge.

Daniel Jones of Chestnut Road, Glenfield, was ordered to pay £322 after his Patterdale Terrier was picked up on 21 May 2018 in Glenfield.

Mr Jones pleaded guilty and was fined £152, with costs of £140 and a £30 victim surcharge.

The Control of Dogs Order (1992) says that a dog in a public place must wear a collar bearing the name and address (including postcode) of the owner engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag. Under the law Blaby District Council has no option to offer a fixed penalty notice, with all cases being prosecuted at a Magistrates’ Court.

Councillor Iain Hewson, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Regulatory Services, said: “We’re disappointed to see that some owners are failing to ensure their dogs wear a collar and tag.

“We hope these fines encourage both owners to take action and ensure their dogs comply with the law.

“This year we have held our free family dog day, offering collars and tag engraving for a charitable donation, and we regularly give out advice to those who call our Animal Services team. We’re committed to ensuring people comply with the law but will prosecute when necessary.”

For advice on the law, residents can email environmental.health@blaby.gov.uk