Owners are fined after dogs found not to have right details

FOUR people whose dogs strayed without up to date owner contact details on collars or tags have been fined.

The four people were prosecuted by Blaby District Council after their dogs were found straying.

Danielle King of Hoffler Close, Countesthorpe, had her spaniel found in Blaby wearing a collar but with no tag or contact details.

Leicester Magistrates’ Court fined her £220 and ordered her to pay £140 costs and a £40 victim surcharge. She didn’t enter a plea.

Patrick Wilford of Winston Avenue, Croft, was fined £220 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge after his Staffordshire bull terrier was found in Croft. The dog was wearing a collar but had no tag with identification. Mr Wilford did not enter a plea.

Michael Hodgson of Queens Drive, Enderby had his terrier found in Enderby and was not wearing a collar. He was fined £220 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £30 victim surcharge. He didn’t enter a plea.

Lawrence James of Burdet Close in Braunstone Town pleaded guilty to his Staffordshire bull terrier not having any contact details. His dog was picked up on Kingsway North, Braunstone Town. He was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £140 in costs as well as a £20 victim surcharge.

Councillor Iain Hewson, portfolio holder for leisure and regulatory services, said: “We have now prosecuted eight people in 2018 for this offence, and it is hugely disappointing to see that some residents’ dogs are still not identifiable with a collar and tag.

Almost every stray dog we pick up is because of this offence. Stray dogs can easily be reunited with owners if they have the correct information on their collar. We’re committed to ensuring people comply with the law but it is our duty to prosecute when necessary.”

The Control of Dogs Order (1992) makes it the law for a dog to wear a collar bearing the name and address including postcode of the owner engraved or written on it or engraved on a tag.

Engraved tags are available online starting at £2.50. For advice on the law residents can email environmental.health@ blaby.gov.uk.