A HOWLEY dog owner was handed a £50 fine after being caught letting his dog foul the footpath only yards away from his home.

With a canine population estimated at 8 million, it costs the UK £22m a year to clean up to dog mess.

The council’s executive board member for environment and public protection, Clr David Keane, said: “Failing to clean up after a dog is not only unpleasant and a nuisance to your neighbours but dangerous as well, as dog faeces can spread infections.”

To report dog fouling call 443322.