A Ballymena man has been handed a substantial penalty for failing to clean up after his dog, following action by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. The Council’s move underlines its determination to keep local areas free from environmental offences such as dog fouling.
The conviction took place at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on Monday 3 February 2025, resulting in a £300 fine and additional costs against the individual. The Council describes this case as part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining cleaner neighbourhoods across the borough.
Case Details
The offender, named in court as Mr Lukasz Ratke of Dunclug Park, was witnessed on 31 July 2024 allowing his Golden Labrador to foul on a green area in the estate while off its lead. According to Council information, he failed to clean up after his dog despite being approached by an Enforcement Officer. A fixed penalty notice of £200 was issued at the time, which would have prevented prosecution if paid.
Mr Ratke did not pay the fixed penalty notice, leading Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to bring the case to court. On conviction, the Magistrate imposed a £300 fine and ordered the defendant to pay £300 in costs, £23 in court fees, and a £15 offender levy.
Enforcement Policy
A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council commented: “Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has a zero-tolerance approach to environmental crime involving dog fouling, littering and fly-tipping. The Council operates a rigorous enforcement policy to minimise the impact of these offences and issues fixed penalties on those responsible. In cases, like this, where individuals fail to pay the fixed penalty, the Council will prosecute for such offences which I hope serves as a warning about the importance to clean up after your dog.”
Next Steps
This case highlights the Council’s firm stance on dog fouling and its commitment to prosecuting those who ignore fixed penalty notices. Local dog owners are urged to act responsibly by cleaning up after their pets, and anyone found breaching these laws can expect enforcement action. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council continues to encourage residents to report any instances of dog fouling, littering, or fly-tipping in order to maintain safe and clean communities.