A Kilkhampton woman has been ordered to pay £1,514 in fines and costs after being found guilty of allowing her dog to foul and not clearing up after it.

At a hearing at Bodmin Magistrates Court on December 19, the court heard about how Delia Murfitt, of North Close, Kilkhampton, allowed her dog to leave the property unattended and that dog then fouled in a residential area. No effort was made to monitor the dog or ensure any fouling was cleared up.

The dog was witnessed fouling and Murfitt, who had already been spoken to by neighbours regarding her dog roaming and fouling in the area, made no effort to clean up afterwards.

The council’s Dog Welfare and Enforcement officer was satisfied that an offence had been committed under Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. In line with the council’s procedures, a fixed penalty notice (FPN) was issued to Murfitt.

The FPN offers the person to whom it is issued the opportunity to pay a £100 penalty instead of being prosecuted. The £100 penalty was refused resulting in the case proceeding to court.

Murfitt did not attend court and the magistrates dealt with the case in her absence. After hearing the evidence, they found Murfitt guilty and she was fined £220, ordered to pay costs of £1,209 and a victim surcharge of £85, making a total of £1,514 to be paid within 28 days.

The council’s portfolio holder for environment and public protection Martyn Alvey said: “We are determined to tackle issues like dog fouling to help our residents enjoy a cleaner Cornwall and a great environment for all.

“I hope this successful prosecution sends out a clear message that such anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council added: "If you see an incident of dog fouling, please report it to us with as much detail as you can including the date, time and location of the incident; what was witnessed; description and identity of the dog and/or its owner; name or address of the offender (if known); vehicle registration number; or any other identifying feature."