Three fined for collar and tag offences

Three residents have been fined by Leicester Magistrates’ Court after failing to ensure their dogs were wearing an identity tag after being picked up as a stray.

The Control of Dogs Order (1992) says that a dog in a public place must wear a collar or bearing the name and address (including postcode) of the owner engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag.Under the law Blaby District Council has no option to offer a fixed penalty notice, with all cases being prosecuted at a Magistrates’ Court.

Brian McFarlane of Queens Road, Blaby had his Staffordshire Bull Terrier picked up as a stray at the Texaco Petrol Station on Lutterworth Road, Blaby. He entered a plea of not guilty but did not attend court. Mr McFarlane’s case was proven in absence and he was found guilty. He was fined £320 and ordered to pay £40 in costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Kay Merry of Earl Smith Close, Whetstone, was ordered to pay £225 after her Collie was found on Attfield Drive, Whetstone as a stray. She entered a guilty plea and was fined £53, ordered to pay £140 in costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

The German Shepherd of John Ashmore was picked up as a stray on Seine Lane, Enderby. Mr Ashmore, of Desford Road, Enderby, pleaded guilty to the offence and was given a conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay £140 in costs and to pay a £20 victim surcharge.

All three dogs picked up by the Council were wearing collars, but failed to have any identifiable tag attached. Tags can be bought and engraved from as little as £2.50 online, or from pet shops across the local area.

Councillor Iain Hewson, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Regulatory Services, said: “We want to reiterate how important it is for dogs to have an identifiable collar or tag when out in a public area. Complying with the law means you are likely to get your dog back much quicker and not picked up by us as a stray.

“We know that dogs can sometimes accidentally get out into a public area unattended, and we hope these fines continue to raise awareness and ensure that in any scenario a dog that can easily be identified can be returned quickly by anyone.”

For advice on the law, residents can email the Senior Animal Services Officer via .