Strays returned to owners, who were then prosecuted

COLLARS DIDN’T HAVE CONTACT DETAILS

THE owners of strays rounded up ended up in the doghouse themselves – for failing to make sure their pets’ collars had up-to-date contact details.

Officials at Blaby District Council have prosecuted four people for breaking the The Control of Dogs Order after their loose animals were picked up by wardens.

The law states a dog must wear a collar bearing the name, address, and postcode of the owner engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag.

Anyone failing to keep the details up to date is breaking the law.

Councillor Iain Hewson, the council’s spokesman for leisure and regulatory services, said: “We have now prosecuted eight people in 2018 for this offence, and it is hugely disap- pointing to see 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 cases were all heard by Leicester magistrates Court.

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

She entered no pleas to the charge and was fined £220 and ordered to pay £140 costs and a £40 victim surcharge.

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. Wilford did not enter a plea.

The terrier of Michael Hodgson, of Queens Drive, Enderby, was found in Enderby and was not wearing a collar. He entered no plea and was fined £220 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £30 victim surcharge.

Lawrence James, of Burdet Close in Braunstone Town, pleaded guilty to his Staffordshire bull terrier not having any contact details after it 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.

Engraved tags can be bought online for as little as £2.50.

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