A NEW three-month campaign aims to educate dog owners in Basingstoke and Deane about responsible ownership.

Following from concerns raised regarding dog fouling, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council community safety patrol officers (CSPOs) will be carrying out the campaign.

CSPOs will be carrying out patrols in key locations across the borough and will issue on-the-spot fines to anyone seen not clearing up after their dog.

Some areas of the borough are covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs). This increases the fixed penalty fine for dog fouling to £75 and requires dogs to be kept on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised council officer.

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

Any dogs over eight weeks old must also be microchipped and registered or owners risk prosecution and a £500 fine.

Cabinet member for communities and community safety at the borough council, Cllr Simon Bound said: “Dog fouling is the most offensive type of litter on our streets and we want to get the message across that it is every dog owner’s responsibility to pick up after their dog and put the bagged mess in a bin.

“Part of being a responsible dog owner is cleaning up after them.”

As part of the crackdown, residents are being asked to let the council know if they spot someone not cleaning up after their dog.

If anyone spots an incident of dog fouling they are asked to contact the borough council on 01256 844844 or visit basingstoke.gov.uk/report-dog-fouling