Man fined after dog goes 'wee' on lawn

BRISTOL, England, June 19 (UPI) -- A British man says it is unfair he was ordered to pay about $2,000 in fines because his collie went "wee" on his lawn.

Paul Griffiths, 48, who has health problems related to his lungs, was initially fined nearly $160 after surveillance footage captured what authorities thought was his dog, Mitzy, fouling the property in front of his home, The Daily Telegraph reported Thursday.

Griffiths said he received additional fines after he failed to show up to Bristol Magistrates' Court because of health complications. He was found guilty, despite not being in court.

"I think it's disgusting. I took my dog downstairs for a wee and because she's a girl she squats," he told The Daily Telegraph. "They say I have 21 days to pay. How on Earth can I do that? I'm on benefits."

Court officials have stood by the decision and say Griffiths deserves the penalty.