A COUNCIL has declared war on dog foulings and today warned: "You will be prosecuted."

Blackburn with Darwen Council's get-tough stance came a day after four people were successfully prosecuted at Blackburn Magistrates for letting their dogs foul in a public place.

Fines of up to £50 were given to people caught letting their dogs use public places as toilets.

A similar amount was also demanded as costs by magistrates.

Coun Mohammed Khan, Executive Member for Housing and Neighbourhood Services, said: "It is the Council's policy to prosecute on every occasion a dog warden witnesses a dog owner allowing his or her pet to foul a public place

"It will not be tolerated because it causes a lot of distress to other people. Dog owners should make sure their dog does not foul in a public place."

In court were:

Sheila Scowcroft, 35 Meadow Vale, Blackburn: Pleaded guilty, absolute discharge, £50 costs awarded to the Council

Marjorie Clarke, Bank Hey Lane North, Blackburn: Pleaded guilty, £20 fine, £50 costs

Colin Taylor, 104 Arran Avenue, Blackburn: £30 fine, £50 costs

Edward Fraser, Alexander Road, Blackburn: £50 fine, £50 costs.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is one of several councils carrying get tough policies towards dog fouling.

In the Ribble Valley, a special CCTV camera is being used to record hot-spots to catch the dogs -- and their owners in the process -- red-handed. A spokesman said: "Dog fouling is an issue which upsets a lot of people. It is anti-social and we will fine people if we catch them."

In Hyndburn, people are being urged to report regular 'offenders.' Poop bags are also handed out at meetings of area councils.

A spokesman said: "The aim is to make sure people have no excuse for letting their dogs foul.

"It causes a lot of distress and is one of the things most commonly complained about. We will prosecute people, as we do for litter offences."