Pet owner fined £750 for dog mess in their own garden after neighbours complained

A pet owner has been fined £750 for the amount of dog mess in their own garden – after neighbours complained about the smell.

The resident, who has not been named, ignored four notices from Durham County Council to clean up the mess before being ordered to court.

The owner was initially served with a community protection warning last October, after neighbours first complained.

They were given a week to clear the mess but no action was taken when council officials inspected the property in Stanley, County Durham.

The resident was prosecuted after failing to comply with a community protection notice for failing to remove waste from their property.

The neighbourhood warden received a further complaint on 2 February with regards to dog mess and rubbish in the garden.

A breach letter was sent to the resident and a further statement was submitted for court.

The defendant did not attend court on 19 April, but the case was proven in absence.

The resident now has fines and costs of £754 to pay.

One neighbour said: “I don’t know the person involved but I know the neighbours have been getting fed-up with the smell and having to look at it all the time.

“It’s pretty rank, especially when the weather gets warmer. You can only imagine how bad the stench will be.

“I think everyone’s pretty happy that the council have taken action.”

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Another said: "If you keep pets then you have to clean up after them but at least all the mess is in their own yard and not left on the paths were kids can step in it."

Council neighbourhood protection manager Ian Hoult said: “The build-up of mess in the yard was not only unsightly, but was becoming a health risk, specifically for children in the area which is unacceptable.

“We receive almost 4,000 reports a year about untidy yards and gardens that are having a negative impact on our communities.

“On investigation we give people the chance to rectify the problem, however we will take action against those who don’t.”

The resident has until 17 May to pay £754 or face further legal action.

What is antisocial behaviour from your neighbours?

While it is not uncommon for annoyances between neighbours to occur, there are occasions when it crosses over into being antisocial behaviour.

People mowing their lawns or carrying out DIY at reasonable times, parking issues or children playing are issues that cause tension but can be sorted out between neighbours.

However, there are some things that are considered to be antisocial behaviour – which could result in a criminal prosecution.

Something is likely to be antisocial behaviour if it causes “nuisance and annoyance”.

Examples include:

• Excessive noise (particularly at night)

• A dog barking incessantly or causing trouble

• Harassment because of race, religion, sexuality, sex, disability or other characteristic

• Using your garden without permission

• Dumping rubbish

• Threats, assaults or swearing at neighbours

• Vandalism

• Criminal activity of any kind

• Graffiti

Noise issues are usually investigated by the council but residents can face a fixed penalty notice (FPN) or criminal prosecutions and a fine of up to £1,000 if convicted or if they fail to pay the FPN.