IRRESPONSIBLE dog owners in Rossendale face fines of up to £1,000 if they allow their pets to foul public areas.

A new law adopted by Rossendale Council means all dog owners must clean up any mess.

Owners who break the rule will be prosecuted by the council if sufficient evidence can be gathered. Alternatively, owners face a fixed on-the-spot fine of £25, which will be issued by dog wardens, rather like a parking ticket.

The area covered includes any road, pavement or verge where the speed limit is 40mph or less, shopping precincts, footpaths, and other public parks and areas.

The council warned that being unaware that a dog has fouled or not having a 'poop scoop' is not an excuse to avoid paying a fine. A council spokesman said: "The council has purchased bags for dog owners to clean up after their dogs have fouled and these can be purchased from the town hall, neighbourhood offices and sports centres.

"The waste can be placed in any litter bin or taken home and put in your wheelie bin."

The council had this message: "Dog mess is unpleasant and harmful to health, so please be a responsible owner and clean up after your dog.

"If you do not clean up after your dog don't be surprised if the council takes you to the cleaners."

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