Published: Thursday, 14th October 2021
A Cannock woman has been prosecuted for failing to keep a dog on a lead after it attacked another dog.
Laura Ross of Mulberry Road in Cannock appeared at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on 12 October 2021, having pleaded guilty to the offence of failing to comply with the local dog control Public Spaces Protection Order. Environmental health officers had issued Ms. Ross with a fixed penalty notice, but the matter was referred to the court, after it went unpaid. Ms. Ross was fined £60, ordered to pay costs of £378 and a victim surcharge of £34.
Councillor Justin Johnson, Environment and Climate Change Portfolio Leader, said “Dogs must be kept on a lead when near a road, including on the footway, to protect people and other dogs, prevent traffic accidents and reduce dog fouling offences. People with dogs that need greater exercise, and that are properly trained, can of course use one of our many wonderful parks and open spaces whilst off the lead. Due to their age, temperament or training, some dogs will however need to be always kept on a lead. This is all about making sure Cannock Chase is a pleasant place for everyone to enjoy.”
The Public Spaces Protection Order can be viewed on the Council website https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/residents/environmental-health/environmental-protection/stray-dogs-dog-warden-service. It covers dog fouling, dog leads, places that dogs are excluded from, and limits the number of dogs that one person can have in their charge.