Man fined over carcasses left in garden for dogs

A man who defied an order to stop leaving rotting animal carcasses in his overgrown garden for his dogs to eat has been told to pay nearly £2,500.

Meat left out by Peter Egan, of Bennett Place, Ilmington, attracted vermin and caused an odour during summer months, Coventry Magistrates' Court heard.

Mr Egan was found guilty in his absence of breaching a Community Protection Notice (CPN) issued by Stratford-on-Avon District Council in June 2023.

He was fined £660 for three offences and ordered to pay further costs totalling more than £1,760.

Environmental health officers had served the notice on Mr Egan under anti-social behaviour legislation, requiring him to undertake work on his property.

The authority said, despite "concerted" efforts to engage with him over an 18-month period, they had no response from him and saw no improvement.

Mr Egan was fined £220 for each offence and ordered to pay a £264 victim surcharge and £1,500 to the council, to be paid within 14 days, following the hearing on 29 January.

Councillor Lorraine Grocott, environmental and neighbourhood services portfolio holder, said it was "disappointing" the authority had to take the matter to court.

"Failure to engage with officers will not prevent us from using our enforcement powers," she added.

"We hope that the judgement sends a strong message to the resident, and we hope that they take action to prevent further enforcement action."

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