A DOG walker has been fined for failing to pick up his pet's mess – after being spotted by council wardens.
Philip Raddings was handed the penalty by magistrates shortly after an awareness campaign to clean up the streets was launched.
Raddings, of Monks Dyke Road, Louth, was found guilty in his absence at Skegness Magistrates' Court. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £84 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.
The court heard how dog wardens from East Lindsey District Council saw him walking away after his dog fouled in the Gatherums, Louth, on November 28 last year.
Initially, the council issued a £75 fixed penalty notice for the offence, but it went to court after he failed to pay up.
Enforcement officer Kristina West said: "Dog fouling is a blight on our communities and the council and community need to work closely together to identify offenders so we can clean up our streets.
"This prosecution sends a strong message to irresponsible dog owners that action will be taken and it can be costly."
The prosecution comes as the district council reaffirmed its commitment to clamping down on irresponsible dog owners in East Lindsey through its campaign called Not On My Street.
Despite this, dog mess is continuing to blight the streets of Louth.
Councillors sitting at a recent Louth Area Committee meeting heard that Cannon Street is a particular problem area.
Councillor George Horton said: "Dog fouling is a problem, but what is becoming more of a problem is the disposal of it. I've seen bags hanging on trees, fences and gates. That is just as bad in my opinion and it should be an offence."
Councillor Margaret Ottaway added: "East Lindsey needs to improve public relations and there are lots of irresponsible dog owners.
"East Lindsey needs to realise that communication and enforcement are the two things they need to look at."
Councillor Daniel Simpson suggested the town's CCTV cameras should be used to detect such behaviour.
Wolds Police Inspector Terry Ball said throwing bags of faeces in trees and on gates could be considered a littering offence, but the police are constrained by law to have evidence.
He said: "We have got to have somebody give a statement or we have to see them littering ourselves.
"I do give credit to the young man in standing forward and I wish others would make their voices heard.
"I would expect any of my officers to do the same; I would be vastly disappointed if they did not."
The district council is continuing to encourage the community to provide details of those people who are known to not clean up after their dog by e-mailing dog.wardens@e-lindsey.gov.uk so action can be taken.
ON THE WEB: People can show their support for the campaign by downloading a poster for their window at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk. Search for this article on the website and you will find the link.
www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/notonmystreet