A COUNCIL has defended its dog warden against allegations that he frightened a woman who allowed her pet to foul a public area in Richmond.

Norma Clark, of the town's Mill Croft, claimed Richmondshire District Council's dog warden rushed towards her, bearing no identification, when her dog fouled the picnic area at Round Howe.

She was prosecuted by the council and fined at Northallerton magistrates' court on April 30 for allowing her dog to foul.

"He wasn't in uniform and I didn't know who he was," she said. "I managed to get away from him and go home. I was so shaken I couldn't get my key in the lock."

Her version of events, which formed her failed defence in court, was disputed by the council.

Sean Little, of the environment unit, said the warden had discussed the offence with Mrs Croft "amicably" but she had run off when he issued a fixed penalty notice.

"He has ID, which he showed her, and the notice was issued properly," said Mr Little. "We undertake covert surveillance, so there is a good reason for no uniform, and our contracted dog wardens have full certificated training and are very professional."

Offenders were not generally approached by the warden at dawn or dusk, but Mrs Croft's offence happened at about 10am, he added.

The council's get-tough policy with owners who allowed their dogs to foul public areas was increasingly effective, said Mr Little.

"More and more members of the public are prepared to sign a witness statement to say they witnessed an offence on a particular date at a particular location and I am using these statements to prosecute," he said.