DOG owners in Leigh are being warned to scoop the poop or face being hit by tough new laws.

Wigan Council is continuing its battle against irresponsible people who allow their animals to foul public areas by bringing in the changes which will allow fixed penalty fines of £25 and prosecutions with punishments reaching £1,000.

The crackdown will also mean the majority of council-owned land will be covered by the laws, instead of just a few designated parks, paths and roads.

The order was set to go before the Strategy Committee this week and was expected to be passed, with the legislation coming into effect on October 1.

The Director of Environmental Health and Consumer Protection will assess its success after 12 to 18 months and will then decide whether to make any improvements.

The public areas which will be covered by the new law include; cemeteries in Atherton, Leigh, Howe Bridge, Tyldesley and Hindley, school grounds, land associated with public buildings, car parks and squares, land used for agriculture or woodlands, footpaths and carriageways.