A man who let his dog foul and failed to control it has been fined nearly £1,000.

Daryl Hooper of Newton Street, Preston was due to attend court on Wednesday 26 March but did not show.

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In his absence he was found guilty of failing to remove dog faeces immediately, permitting his dog to be in a public pace without a collar and obstruting an authorised officer.

A total fine of £920 was dished out to Mr Hooper.

Preston City Council prosecuted after receiving report Mr Hooper’s dog was running freely on the grass outside his home in Deepdale.

The dog fouled twice before Mr Hooper took it back inside.

A dog warden approached Mr Hooper as he came out to clean up the deposits but was met with a tirade of abusive language and threats.

Councillor John Swindells, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: ““This should be viewed as a warning to anyone who commits similar acts. It is illegal not to pick up mess immediately after your dog has fouled and also for a dog to be out in a public place not wearing a collar with the owner’s details.

“The council is trying to encourage responsible dog ownership by education means. However when the law is broken we will take action through the courts.”

The fines broke down to:
– £200 for failing to remove dog faeces
– £150 for permitting dog to be in a public place without a collar
– £150 for failing to give his details to an authorised officer
– £400 for the council’s costs
– £20 victim surcharge

Mr Hooper had originally been offered the chance to settle with a fixed penalty of £75 but he did not pay it.

What do you think about the fine? Is there a problem with dog fouling in your area? Let us know in the comments below