Walsall couple fined £3,500 over piles of dog mess in their garden

Huge amounts of mess were left lying for months in the back garden of Deirdre and Michael McCarthy's home in Walsall.

Council chiefs were forced to step in after numerous complaints were made by neighbours and they were left 'shocked' over the piles of poo outside the property in Nottingham New Road, Beechdale.

Walsall Council issued an enforcement notice on September 18 last year to the McCarthys demanding them to clean up the mess, which the couple ignored.

Three more notices were issued - again ignored by the couple - and they were then hauled before Walsall Magistrates Court.

The couple admitted four charges of failing to comply with an abatement notice under the Environmental Protection Act.

They were each fined £1,000 and both ordered to pay £749 in court costs as well as two victim surcharges of £25 - bringing the total to be repaid up to £3,549.

It is the first time in around 10 years that a prosecution like this has been brought before the courts in Walsall.

David Elrington, environment chief at the council, said: "The officers who visited this garden were shocked by the volume of dog faeces that were left festering and stinking.

"Dog fouling is unsightly, unpleasant and unhygienic.

"It is a health hazard and can carry many germs which can cause diseases like Toxocara canis and Hydatid disease which can be extremely dangerous."

Mr Elrington added: "Dog owners have a responsibility to limit the chances of people coming in to contact with dog faeces.

"Children are most at risk as they are more likely to put things into their mouths and less likely to wash their hands properly.

"Diseases like Toxocariasis can be controlled if dog faeces are disposed of immediately and in a responsible manner.

"Regular worming of dogs can also help reduce the problem and we recommend that dog owners seek advice from a veterinarian about suitable products and worming programmes."

The McCarthys have moved out of their home in Beechdale, according to neighbours.

Toxocara canis and Hydatid disease are more commonly referred to as 'worms' but severe cases can be fatal in puppies and the infection can spread to humans resulting in Toxocariasis.

The disease is a major cause of blindness and can also provoke rheumatic, neurologic or asthmatic symptoms.