But the local authorities have defended their actions after the mum-of-two, from nearby Romford, was given an on-the-spot fine for littering after brushing her golden retriever Biskit and German shepherd Rocky.
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| Even the Humane Society suggests owners leave dog hair out for the birds to build nests with(!) |
She was told she had committed an offence for leaving clumps of dog hair in Harrow Lodge Park in Hornchurch, Essex – and was given a penalty fine.
Mrs Hayes, who had been waiting for her sons to finish football practice when the offence occurred, said: ‘I have owned dogs for over ten years and have never heard of such a law.
‘What has disappointed most was he was going to give me that fine no matter what, even though I offered to clear it up.’
The 46-year-old said that, as she was trying to leave, one warden ‘blocked’ her car to prevent her getting out and cleaning the hair, while another took photographs of the incriminating evidence.
Mrs Hayes said the park officers then sped off without cleaning away the hair.
‘It seems a little crazy to me when you see the amount of litter in the park,’ she continued.
‘I always leave the dogs’ hair out in my garden for the birds and I haven’t met a single person to say anything against it.’
Cllr Andrew Curtin, Havering Council’s cabinet member for culture, towns and communities, said: ‘Responsible dog owners groom their pets at home or in their garden, not in public spaces, and especially not in our parks.
‘Littering anywhere in the borough incurs a fine, whether it’s a single cigarette butt or clumps of dog hairs in a public space.’
(Metro - July 20, 2013)
