A public-spirited resident followed a dog owner who failed to clean up after his animals fouled near a Bradford school.

The man was so angry at the irresponsible actions of the owner he tracked him to his home.

Bradford Council’s Dog Warden Service identified the owner as David Melnik after receiving complaints from other residents who had seen the man committing further offences.

He was issued with three Fixed Penalty Notices after he was witnessed three times last March allowing his Rottweiler and Japanese Akita-type dogs to foul without clearing up, in the Bolton area of Bradford.

Mr Melnik failed to pay the fixed penalties and was summonsed to appear before Bradford magistrates in September.

When Mr Melnik failed to turn up, the case was proven in his absence and he was fined £175, with £150 costs and a £15 victims surcharge.

But Mr Melnik has appealed against his conviction.

A hearing took place this month at Bradford Crown Court, at which residents were called to give evidence, and the judge adjourned to consider the case.

He will rule on the appeal on March 1.

Bradford Councillor Anne Hawkesworth said: “We would appeal to all dog owners to act responsibly and clean up after their pet if it fouls in a public place.

“They should be extra vigilant near schools and anywhere children play because diseases from dog faeces can cause sickness and even blindness in some cases.”

The prosecution of Mr Melnik followed a Good Dog campaign by Bradford Council.

This was in response to complaints from St Francis Catholic Primary School in Bolton about dog fouling on grass verges and pavements around the school entrance and in local streets, which parents were concerned posed a health hazard.

Several dog owners were advised to clean up by Council wardens and leaflets were distributed to encourage responsible dog ownership.