Falling foul of the law

Oldham Council prosecuted an Chadderton dog owner who failed to keep the rear yard of his home clear

A DOG owner has been fined after continually failing to keep the yard of his Chadderton property clear of dog faeces.

Oldham Council prosecuted John Orrell, of Middleton Road, after giving him several chances to clear the yard - saod to be 6in deep in excrement in one place. Orrell failed to act after five requests and the council brought in contractors to clean the area.

Orrell, who didn’t appear at Oldham Magistrates’ Court, was fined £3,300 in his absence and ordered to pay £891 in costs.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives, said: “We have a duty to keep Oldham clean and take action against irresponsible dog owners. You have just as much responsibility to clean up dog mess on your own land as you do on public land. Dog faeces can not only cause a health hazard to you, but also to your family and neighbours.