A dog owner has been slapped with a fine of more than £750 for letting their pet go to the toilet in their own garden after neighbours complained about the smell.
The resident, who has not been named, ignored four notices from Durham County Council which told him to clean up the mess. The owner was initially served with a Community Protection Warning last October when residents made their first complaint.
They were given a week to clean up the mess, however, when nothing was done, council officials went to inspect the Stanley property. The resident was then prosecuted for failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice.
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The defendant did not attend court on April 19, so the case was proven in absence. The resident has now been fined £754.
One neighbour said: “I don’t know the person involved but I know the neighbours have been getting fed-up with the smell and having to look at it all the time. It’s pretty rank, especially when the weather gets warmer. You can only imagine how bad the stench will be.
“I think everyone’s pretty happy that the council have taken action.” Another said: "If you keep pets then you have to clean up after them but at least all the mess is in their own yard and not left on the paths were kids can step in it."
Ian Hoult, council neighbourhood protection manager, said: “The build-up of mess in the yard was not only unsightly, but was becoming a health risk, specifically for children in the area which is unacceptable. We receive almost 4,000 reports a year about untidy yards and gardens that are having a negative impact on our communities.
“On investigation we give people the chance to rectify the problem, however we will take action against those who don’t. We are asking the public to report untidy yards and gardens in their area via our Do It Online system or by calling 03000 26000.”
The resident has until May 17 to pay £754 or face further legal action.
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