A DOG-owner who failed to pick up after his pet before verbally abusing council staff and refusing to provide his name has been ordered to pay £175.

Thomas Toward, 29, was approached by an environmental crime office and dog welfare officer when he allowed his pet to foul in Clough Park, Barnoldswick, in March.

But he verbally abused staff and refused to give his details before running off with his two dogs.

Days later when the dog welfare officer spotted Toward in the area again, she approached him, but he was abusive again.

She contacted PCSO Neil Wallin who caught up with Toward and persuaded him to provide the requested information.

Toward appeared before Reedley magistrates on Thursday and pleaded guilty to dog fouling and failing to give his details to an authorised officer.

He pleaded guilty to both offences and was fined £90 and ordered to pay costs of £70 and a £15 victim surcharge.

Coun James Starkie, who speaks up on dog fouling issues, said: “I think this case highlights the excellent track record we have of prosecuting irresponsible dog owners.”