A DOG walker who failed to clean up after his pet when it fouled Perranporth Beach has been ordered to pay fines and costs totalling nearly £2,000 at Truro Magistrates Court.

Perranporth resident Kevin Watch, 68, of Hendrawna Lane, Bolingey, was ordered to pay and £800 fine and costs totalling £1,000 for failing to clear up after a dog in his control had fouled at Gear Sands, Perranporth.

The offence, committed in March 2015, was witnessed by a Cornwall Council dog welfare officer. Watch refused to return to the fouled area to remove the faeces and then refused to provide the officer with his name and address. Mr Watch was later issued with a fixed penalty notice of £80 which was not paid. The matter was therefore referred to the courts where Watch pleaded not guilty at the original hearing in November 2015.

Whilst reading out their decision Truro Magistrates stated that the evidence provided by the Dog Welfare Officer was credible and satisfied the court that the offence had been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

As well as the fines and costs magistrates also ordered that Watch pay £800 fine, £1,000 costs to Cornwall Council and £80 victim charge.

Allan Hampshire Head of Public Protection at Cornwall Council said: “I am pleased the magistrates have handed out such a high level fine to this individual. The issue of dog fouling and irresponsible dog ownership is one that blights many residents of Cornwall. This fine sends a clear message to the small minority of irresponsible dog owners that if you don’t clear up after you dog, the courts will fine you accordingly.”