A RECORD fine has been imposed on a woman who repeatedly let her dog foul the pavement near her home.

Christine Rogers, of Hollyhedge Road, Wythenshawe, has been ordered to pay ?1,600 for eight offences under the Dogs Act.

She was fined ?100 and ordered to pay ?100 costs for each of the infringements which happened either on Hollyhedge Road or Hollyhedge Avenue between August and December last year.

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The ?800 fine imposed at Manchester Magistrates' Court is a record for the city council who took out the prosecution. The previous biggest fine was ?300 awarded against Susan Young of Cecil Road, Blackley in March.

It is understood that Mrs Rogers and her dog, Bruno, were spotted on all eight occasions by dog wardens patrolling the area.

Coun Paul Murphy said: "The huge fine imposed by the court proves that they are taking the issue of dog fouling very seriously.

'Delighted'

"We refuse to tolerate this detestable behaviour and I am delighted that the court has imposed this hefty fine for the offences.

"It continues to surprise me that people have so little respect for their environment and for the upset that dog fouling has on communities. I hope this acts as a warning to others that the council will not tolerate dog fouling and we will take action through the courts every time if necessary."

The council currently operates a fixed penalty scheme that gives offenders the option of paying a ?50 fine within 14 days. If this fine is not paid, criminal proceedings may be brought against the dog owner.

The Keep Britain Tidy campaign group has backed the council clampdown. Chief Executive Alan Woods said that the hefty fine represented just how disgusted councils and the public were with those who turned parks, beaches and pavements into canine conveniences

"We need every owner to clear up after their pet and every right-minded citizen to complain if they don't," he said.

"Dog dirt may disgust but it won't disappear until all of us take the lead and treat our streets properly."