A WOMAN from Nelson who works as a dog walker has been ordered to pay £290 for allowing two dogs in her care to foul.

Julie Roach, 47, of Percy Street was walking six dogs at the time in Colne.

She appeared in Reedley Magistrates’ Court this week and was found guilty of two offences which happened on Holt House playing fields.

Both offences were witnessed by a Pendle Council park keeper as Roach was out dogs.

Pendle Council said the park keeper approached Roach after seeing the first dog foul and asked her to pick it up, but she did not.

Minutes later another of the dogs in Roach’s care fouled and she made no attempt to clear it up.

Roach was later issued with two fixed penalty notices, one for each dog fouling offence. Each carries a fine of £75.

But she did not pay the fines and was subsequently taken to court.

The court found Roach guilty of both offences. She was given a conditional discharge of six months and ordered to pay £290 costs.

David Alexander, senior environmental crime officer at Pendle Council, said: “It’s disgusting that dog walkers like Mrs Roach just leave dog mess on the pitches like those at Holt House and shows a blatant lack of respect for rugby teams who play there.

“This is a problem we have right across Pendle on sports pitches and playing fields, and one that people understandably get upset about.

“Beside the pitches there is plenty of grassland where dog walkers can exercise their dogs – they shouldn’t have to use the pitches themselves.

“But wherever they take their dogs, it’s their responsibility to clear up the fouling.

“I would particularly expect someone whose profession is a dog walker to behave responsibly and always pick up after their dogs.”

Poop scoop bags are available for free to dog owners and walkers in Pendle.