Town's dog fouling laws widened

Those who fail to pick up after their dogs face a fine of up to £1,000

Dorset dog owners have been warned to clean up after their pets on all public land or face a fine of up to £1,000.

Poole Borough Council has widened its dog fouling order, making it an offence to leave dog faeces in any area which the public have access to.

Previously, the rules only applied to parks and the side of roads, but now owners must pick up after their pets in woods and on heathland as well.

Those who fail to clear the mess up face a fine between £75 and £1,000.

The new Fouling of Land by Dogs order came into force on Thursday.

Councillor Don Collier, cabinet portfolio holder for the environment, said: "In a recent survey dog fouling was one of the issues our residents wanted us to do something about.

"This new order, coupled with the use of fixed penalty notices, will mean we can clamp down hard on irresponsible dog owners to help keep Poole clean and safe."