DOG owners are to be given advice on cleaning up after their pets in a leaflet being produced by a town council.

The leaflet, which will be available in Barnoldswick in a fortnight's time, will contain details of dog training and the use of poop-scoop bags.

It is part of a Pendle-wide clampdown on irresponsible owners who let their dogs to foul streets and grassed areas.

On Thursday Pendle Council successfully brought its first prosecution under dog fouling laws. A Brierfield man was fined £100 and ordered to pay £55 costs by magistrates at Reedley for not cleaning up after his dog fouled a grassed area outside O'Hagan Court sheltered housing complex in the town.

Pendle Council solicitor Philip Mousdale said: "Parks, pavements, grass verges and many streets are now designated as land on which it is an offence for owners not to clean up after their dogs.

"Fouling is a health hazard and is anti-social. Most people find it objectionable but are not always willing to give evidence. That is why dog wardens are now patrolling the streets and prosecutions will be made if it results in cleaner public areas."

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