Dirty dog owners hit with fines

New signs have also been installed around the district to remind dog owners of their responsibilities and additional patrols carried out at dog fouling hotspots.

The fixed penalty is a £75 fine, reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days. Failure to pay the fine results in prosecution at magistrates' court, where the maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine.

Cannock Chase Council also supported this year's National Poop Scoop Week, which was organised by the Dogs Trust charity from 11th to 17th June, and encouraged dog owners to pick up after their dogs.

Councillor Janos Toth, Deputy Leader of Cannock Chase Council and Environment Portfolio Holder, said: "Owning a dog brings great happiness but it also brings a lifelong responsibility.  Cleaning up after your dog is part of that responsibility. There is no excuse as it is easy to carry bread bags, carrier bags, nappy sacks or cheaply purchased 'poop-scoop' bags when walking your dog. 

"Provided the bags are properly tied, they can be disposed of in any council litter bin, dog waste bin or your household wheelie bin. Dog fouling is a blight on our environment and we urge people to report it to us so that we can target our efforts in the correct areas."

Report dog fouling to our Environmental Protection Team on 01543 462621.