Holidaymaker fined for trying to abandon dog at UK beach
Stock photo, Essex beach: Rex
A female holidaymaker has been fined after attempting to abandon her own dog during a trip to the north Essex coast.
The woman, who was staying at a holiday park, contacted Tendring District Council's Dog Warden team and claimed she had found the dog on Jaywick beach.
The pet was picked up and taken to the council's holding kennels in Weeley.
Little did the woman know, however, that her husband had actually micro-chipped the pet, and wardens soon discovered that she was actually its owner.
The dog was taken back tot he holiday park in St Osyth, where, after initially denying it, the woman admitted it was hers.
One of the council's dog wardens, Beverly Wallis, told eadt.co.uk: "The dog had been micro-chipped and although there was a different surname and address, we managed to do a bit of old-fashioned detective work and trace the woman to the caravan.
"I think she was a bit surprised when we returned within 18 hours, and she will get an invoice for £82 for our time."
Ms Wallis added that the police were particularly helpful, saying: "They were able to challenge her story and threatened to arrest her – which is when she finally admitted it was her dog."
Nick Turner, the council's cabinet member for the environment, said the wardens have a responsibility for stray dogs but not for abandoned pets.
He said: "There are responsible ways of disposing of unwanted dogs and dumping them is not one of them.
"Hopefully, this case will send out a clear message that we will take a strong line and do everything in our power to trace irresponsible owners and give them their pets back.
"In this case, it has also cost the owner £82 for wasting our officers' time and public money."
It is an offence to abandon a dog, and the RSPCA can prosecute anyone who does so.
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