The owner of a dog that entered a children’s play area in Gwynedd and another who allowed their dog to foul Barmouth High Street have been fined.

Rhetta Meila was found guilty of allowing a dog to enter a children's playing field in Marine Parade, Tywyn; an area where dogs are prohibited under the Gwynedd Council Public Spaces Protection (Dog Control) Order.

In another case, Ian Goddard was found guilty of failing to clean up after his dog on the High Street in Barmouth.

The two individuals were ordered to pay £508 each in fines and costs.

The prosecutions have led to the council issuing a reminder to dog owners of their legal responsibilities.

Gwynedd Council say the cases underline their commitment to ensuring public spaces are clean, safe and welcoming for all.

The Public Spaces Protection (Dog Control) Order has been operational in Gwynedd since 2013. Under this order, it is an offence for a person responsible for a dog to take the dog to designated areas where dogs are prohibited or allow a dog to enter or remain in those areas. This includes children's playing areas, school grounds and designated playing fields across the county.

In accordance with the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, individuals who fail to comply with the rules may face a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 or prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Cllr June Jones, Cabinet Member for Highways, Engineering and YGC which includes Street Services, said: “These cases send a clear message that Cyngor Gwynedd takes dog-related offences seriously. Dog fouling and dogs in prohibited areas compromise the safety, hygiene and enjoyment of our public spaces. We will continue to take enforcement action where required, in order to protect our communities.

“As well as taking action against offenders, we will be installing new enforcement signage which are illuminated in the dark, in key locations across the county. These signs will help raise awareness that the areas are being monitored and will serve as a reminder to dog owners of their responsibility to clean up after their dogs.

“We will also be launching a social media campaign on Cyngor Gwynedd channels to remind dog owners of the rules in force and the implications for those who fail to comply. Our aim is to encourage responsible behaviour and help ensure that our communities, our parks and our public spaces are clean, safe and welcoming for all."

The council provides free dog fouling bags from Siop Gwynedd in Caernarfon, Dolgellau and Pwllheli, as well as libraries across the county. They can be disposed of in public litter bins, dog fouling bins, or green domestic wheelie bins.

Residents are urged to inform the council about dog fouling or dogs in areas where they are prohibited. Street Enforcement Wardens can investigate reports where evidence is available.

Contact with dog faeces can lead to serious illness like toxocariasis, which can cause health problems, including sight loss.

For further information on dog control rules, visit: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/dogs 

Dog fouling-related problems can be reported on: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/DogFouling