BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council is clamping down on irresponsible dog owners who don’t clear up after their dogs.

Following the last Residents’ Survey, in which residents said that clean streets were important to them, the borough council’s Community Safety Patrol Officers will now issue on-the-spot fines of £50 to anyone seen not clearing up after their dog.

Refusal to pay the fine could land the owner in court and even more out of pocket.

Dog mess should be bagged and then disposed of in any general litter bin.

Many dog owners responsibly throw away a large proportion of this mess but there are still owners out there who are prepared to leave their dog’s mess littered on streets, parks and around the countryside.

The CSPO team is also keen to promote good dog responsibility and will be patrolling the borough parks to remind dog owners that they are expected to keep their pets under proper control and are legally required to ensure they wear a collar and ID.

In addition, from April 2016, all dogs over eight weeks old must be microchipped and registered or owners risk prosecution and a £500 fine.

Cabinet member for communities, service improvement and delivery, Councillor Robert Tate, said: “Dog fouling is the most offensive type of litter on our streets.

“Being a responsible dog owner means cleaning up after your pet. We need to get the message across that it is every dog owners’ responsibility to pick up after their pet and put the bagged mess in a bin.”

As part of the crackdown, residents experiencing a problem with dog fouling in their area are being asked to let the council know by calling 01256 844844 or emailing customer.service@basingstoke.gov.uk.

For more information, visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/animalresponsibility.