A PET owner who ignored dog fouling rules has been fined hundreds of pounds.

Noel Wilson, 58, of White Rock, Hastings, failed to clean up after his dog in Cambridge Gardens and was found guilty in his absence at Hastings Magistrates' Court. He was fined £525, and told to pay £225 in costs and £52 victim surcharge.

Katrina Reilly, 31, of Saddlers Court Mews Road, St Leonards, was also found guilty in her absence at Hastings Magistrates' Court for letting her dog off the lead in Carisbrooke Road, where dogs must be kept under control at all times.

She was fined £525 and ordered to pay costs of £225 and a £52 victim surcharge.

Hastings borough councillor Dawn Poole, the portfolio holder for environment, said: “We recognise the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and clean up after their dogs and keep them under proper control. However, there are a minority of people who don't. We take these issues very seriously and will prosecute.”