AN ACCRINGTON dog owner who let his pets foul outside the council’s main office building has been told to pay more than £500.

Nigel Hesmondhalgh was convicted after council staff spotted one of his three dogs — none of which were on a lead — defecating in the garden area outside Scaitcliffe House, in Ormerod Street.

The 41-year-old, who lives in Ormerod Street, also allowed one of the dogs to foul on a grass verge further up the street, Blackburn Magistrates’ Court heard. He did not pick the mess up on either occasion.

The incidents were caught on CCTV and Hesmondhalgh was issued with two fixed penalty notices, which he failed to pay.

Hyndburn Council said he also ignored enforcement officers when they tried to talk to him about the matter on several occasions. Hesmondhalgh failed to turn up in court and so was convicted in his absence. He was fined £200 plus £20 victim surcharge, and ordered to pay £281.96 in prosecution costs.

Cabinet member for environmental services, Coun Paul Cox, said: “There is no excuse for not picking up after your dog. We have plenty of dog bins around the borough.

“This case highlights that there is an irresponsible minority who fail to pick up faeces left by dogs in public places, which is not only unpleasant, but can also transmit disease to other dogs and humans.

This case sends a strong message to irresponsible dog owners.

“We take a tough line on this kind of offence and will take people to court if necessary.”

Residents are offered £50 rewards for information on dog owners who allow their pets to foul public spaces, as part of a council drive to tackle dog fouling, subject to conditions.

To report anyone you witness allow-ing their dog to foul in a public place or any other dog related offence, call the council on 01254 388111 or visit www.hyndburnbc.go.uk