DOG owners have been urged not to fall foul of dog dirt regulations applied to public areas across a council district.
The warning was made after the prosecution of a woman for failing to pay an on-the-spot fine imposed by an Easington district environmental warden.
She was given the £50 charge for failing to clean up the mess after her dog fouled on public land.
When the Seaham woman failed to pay the fine, the district council pursued the case, resulting in a prosecution under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.
She was fined £70, with £30 costs, imposed after being found guilty by Durham magistrates last week.
Councillor George Patterson, Easington district executive member for environment, said: "We hope that this prosecution will serve as a warning to all those who are ignoring dog fouling laws.
"The council is determined to reduce the problem."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article