A DOG owner has been given a six-month conditional discharge and a fine of £100 for letting her pet out without a collar.

Samantha Webdale, 36, of Theobold Street, Swindon, pleaded guilty to four offences of allowing her dog to roam without a collar and identification tag at Swindon Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The court heard how the large Rhodesian Ridgeback dog had been caught walking the streets by council dog wardens after escaping four times between July and November last year.

Speaking after the hearing, Swindon dog warden Kay Giblett said there was no excuse for people not ensuring their dogs wore tags.

"The law was brought in so that a dog can be traced to the owner who is ultimately responsible for its actions whether they are with it or not," she said.

"We have had various campaigns and people should know that they need to make sure that a dog has a tag with the owner's name and address on it."