A BUILTH Wells dog owner has been slapped with a £75 fine for failing to clean up after their dog had fouled in a park.

Powys council’s environmental protection team issued the fixed penalty notice after local resident Mike Price witnessed the dog fouling last month at the Groe and reported it to the council.

With the information the member of the public provided, the council was able to investigate and took action which has seen the dog owner issued with the fixed penalty notice.

The council is now reminding residents and local businesses that they can report any dog fouling incidents that takes place on designated land to the council so that it can investigate.

Councillor Avril York, the local member for Builth Wells, said: "I want to take this opportunity to thank Mike Price for all he has done in the town to highlight the issues of dog fouling. The vast majority of dog owners in the town are responsible and clean up after the dog has fouled. It’s a small minority that don’t clean up that spoil the town’s public spaces like the Groe.

"It’s important that people who witness dog fouling incidents to step forward, as Mike did, and report it to the council so they can investigate and take the appropriate action. Only by working together can we tackle dog fouling so it doesn’t spoil our public spaces."

Cllr John Powell, cabinet member for environmental protection, said:

"We understand the impact dog fouling has on our communities and we are determined to tackle this issue. However, we can’t do this alone and our residents and local businesses can play a vital role in helping combat this in Powys.

"This is a clear example that by working together, we can combat dog fouling in our county."

The council is also urging residents to report any particular problems in their area but is also reminding dog owners that they must clean up after their dog has fouled and properly dispose of the waste.

"It’s an offence to allow a dog in your control, even if you’re walking someone else’s dog, to foul in a public place and fail to clean it up immediately after," said Cllr Powell.

"If you are out walking your dog, always carry a plastic bag to pick up the mess as soon as your dog has fouled and place it in the nearest dog waste or litter bin or dispose of it at home."

If you would like to report a dog fouling incident or advise the council of a particular problem in your area email [email protected] or telephone 0845 602 7035 or 01597 827465.