A PROMINENT local councillor has fallen foul of tough new measures to tackle dog dirt on the city's streets.

Lancaster county councillor Bob Clark is one of the first people in the district to be prosecuted for not cleaning up after their dogs.

A council dog warden spotted Mr Clark's pooch pooping on Ambleside Road and, when the councillor failed to stoop and scoop, he was issued with a fixed penalty notice.

A total of 14 people across the district have been named and shamed in the latest dog poop offensive but when the Citizen contacted Cllr Clark for a comment his only reply was: "I got caught, I paid the fine. It's just a dog. It hasn't got a name."

Mr Clark, who is also chairman of the Local Fire Authority, has been fined £25 under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.

If the fixed penalty notices are not paid within 14 days, individuals can be liable for a maximum £1,000 fine.

The tough new measures have been drawn up to deal more effectively with dog fouling. The council has taken on dog wardens and for the first 12 months operated a cautionary approach to offenders, offering pooper scoops and sending a warning letter advising people that they would be prosecuted if they re-offended.

Signs and stickers have been posted throughout the district and an extensive publicity campaign has been held to raise local awareness.

Steps to improve enforcement against dog fouling and irresponsible dog owners have been brought in by the council, including more training on interviewing and cautioning techniques.

The public have also been encouraged to give statements to the Environmental Health Service if they see an offence being committed.

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