Ards and North Down Borough is to sharply increase its fines for littering, dog fouling and failing to leash a dog, with new penalties reaching two and a half times the current forfeit.
Elected members at the recent full meeting of Ards and North Down Council signed off its Environment Committee decision to raise maximum fines for dog owners from £80 to £200, and the reduced rate from £80 to £150.
The reduced penalty is given for those who pay within 14 days, and the full fine for a further 14 days, after which the council may bring the matter to the court.
