A small dog has ended up landing its owner with a huge fine after she failed to pick up its mess from a Swansea street.

Rebecca Membrey, aged 26, is the first person to be taken to court for not paying the £75 fixed penalty notice, issued for not cleaning up after her dog.

A member of Swansea Council Street Scene staff saw her Jack Russell use the junction of Ystrad Road and Cil-y-Coed housing estate as a toilet. She signed the form to confirm she had not picked up the waste.

She originally had 14 days to pay, but was also given an additional 10 days to pay, but still did not.

Membrey, of Cwmbach Road, Waunarlwydd, failed to pay and was told to attend court.

Prosecutor Sarah Thyer said the council spent thousands each year cleaning up dog waste and it can cause health problems, particularly in children.
"It can be both unpleasant and a health hazard," she said.

Membrey failed to attend and was instead told to pay more than £600 in fines, costs and a surcharge. Magistrates imposed a £250 fine, £364 in costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

A Swansea Council spokesman said: "This latest prosecution follows recent success we had with two previous litter cases and illustrates our commitment to cleaning up the city."