Dog owners are being reminded that it is illegal to walk their dogs off the lead along designated roads in Torbay.

The warning follows a successful prosecution brought by Torbay Council against a dog owner, which resulted in them paying £670 in fines and costs.

The case was heard on Wednesday 14 January 2015 at Torquay Magistrates and was brought by Torbay Council’s Legal Services and Dog Wardens, along with support from Street Wardens and CCTV.

Mr John Mackay of Magdalene Road, Torquay, who regularly walked his two Staffordshire Bull Terriers off the lead along designated roads, was charged with five separate offences.

This case followed Mr Mackay being warned on a number of occasions by letters and verbal advice from council officers, but he continued to walk his dogs off the lead. Mr Mackay was also verbally abusive and aggressive with council officers in the street.

Councillor Robert Excell, Executive Lead for Safer Communities, Highways, Environment and Sports said “The majority of dog owners are responsible and manage their dogs as they should but there are a minority who do not. The rules on this matter are very clear and are in place to protect the public, road users and the dogs themselves and are not to be ignored. Our Dog Wardens, Street Wardens and CCTV will continue to work together in order to crack down on these irresponsible dog owners.”

If you are concerned about an out of control dog or would like to report an irresponsible dog owner, you can contact the council on 01803 208025 with the details of when and where the offences are being committed, along with a physical description of the offender and their dog. For further information visit: www.torbay.gov.uk/dogs.

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