Forest of Dean District Council prosecutes an individual under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act
A Forest of Dean resident has been prosecuted for breaching a Community Protection Notice, after repeatedly allowing their dogs to stray from the property, resulting in them defecating on local residents gardens and driveways.
Paula Beach-Rockall of Sling, Nr Coleford pleaded guilty to the offence under section 48 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to which she was given a fine of £150 and ordered to pay £50 towards costs and a £34 victim surcharge.
Deputy Leader of Forest of Dean District Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Paul said:
“This result underlines just how seriously the Forest of Dean District Council investigates incidents of anti-social behaviour.
“We will always attempt to engage with all parties involved, but when that fails, we take formal action where necessary. This case also reinforces our commitment to the anti-social behaviour pledge that we signed last month with partners across Gloucestershire.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our team of officers for their dedication and hard work in helping to make our communities safer for residents across the Forest of Dean.”
Ms Beach-Rockall was first written to in May 2020 to reaffirm her responsibilities as a dog owner after receiving complaints about her dogs being a nuisance in the area. After further reports and evidence being gathered a Community Protection Warning was issued, however as the behaviour continued a full Community Protection Notice was then issued.
To prevent the detrimental effect from continuing or recurring, Ms Beach-Rockall was formally required to:
- Ensure that any dogs in her care were kept under control at all times and were not permitted to stray from the property.
- Ensure that the boundary to the property is secure when any dogs are on the grounds of the property.
Despite these warnings and formal notice, Forest of Dean District Council staff deemed that her conduct was still having a detrimental effect, of a continuing nature, on the quality of life of those in the locality and was unreasonable. This resulted in a Fixed Penalty Notice being issued, that subsequently was not paid.
Further evidence was gathered which included a member of the Council's Street Warden team witnessing a breach of the notice whilst carrying out a compliance visit. At this point, Forest of Dean District Council saw no other option than to take formal action which resulted in the guilty plea on the 3rd August 2022.