A DOG owner who failed to clean up after her pet has been fined £440.

Michelle Ewen, 38, of Lonsdale Road, Bolton was reported to Bolton Council on March 29 after her dog fouled an area of Queen’s Park.

Witnesses described how Ewen had let a “spaniel type dog” out of her car before getting back in the vehicle and leaving the animal to roam freely through the park.

Accounts of the incident detailed how Ewen then retrieved the dog and drove off without making any attempt to pick up after it.

The council dog warden found Ewen’s address and she was handed a £100 fixed penalty notice.

She was granted an extension to pay the fine but still failed to pay up within the deadline.

In the end Bolton Council prosecuted.

When the case came to Bolton Magistrates Court, Ewen did not attend the hearing so a decision was reached in her absence.

In addition to a fine of £440 she was ordered to pay £140 in costs and a £44 victim surcharge.

Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for environmental services, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “Owners who don’t pick up after their pets give a bad name to the majority of responsible dog walkers who respect our parks and public spaces.

“There is no excuse for this thoughtless behaviour which is not only unpleasant but represents a serious risk to public health.

“The message is clear. We will issue fixed penalty notices to those responsible and prosecute those who fail to pay.”

For more information and to report any dog fouling incidents visit bolton.gov.uk/animals-pests/dog-fouling.