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Careless dog-owners and litterbugs fined

Nine dog-owners who failed to clean up after their pets were fined in court yesterday, along with six smokers who dropped cigarette ends.

The dog owners got fines of up to £170, and were told to pay costs of up to £173.

The smokers guilty of littering were handed fines of up to £220, with costs of up to £219.

The magistrates court convictions came after a clampdown by Portsmouth City Council.

Clive Rankin, the council’s Clean City Manager, said: “Portsmouth has a good record on cleanliness and the vast majority of people behave responsibly. We have a generous amount of dog-mess bins and places to dispose of smokers' litter.

“But there’s a small minority who spoil the city’s environment for everyone.

“Residents tell us that dog-fouling is a priority for them, so we have targeted careless owners recently, often using information neighbours provide.

“With the ban on smoking in public buildings, there has been a rise in littering by people smoking on the pavement, so we wanted to send a message out about that too.”

Those convicted yesterday either failed to pay on-the-spot fines (£50 for dog fouling, £75 for littering) or chose to appear in court.  A court conviction leads to a criminal record, but an on-the-spot fine does not.

Cllr Jason Fazackarley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety, said: "We’re grateful to the overwhelming majority of residents who respect other people and the city, and behave properly.

“Where people fail to do this, we won’t hesitate to take action.”

Money from the fines will be used for public education on littering and dog-fouling, and improving disabled toilet facilities.

Date : 30 July 2008