TOWN hall chiefs have pledged to get tough with dog owners who allow their pets to foul public places.

And Blackburn with Darwen Council has promised to step up legal action against the owners of dirty dogs in a bid to clean up the borough.

New laws are being introduced which will create no-go zones for dog mess and also mean on-the-spot fines for owners.

The council has been busy chasing people who do not control their animals properly and 14 people have appeared before the courts in recent months.

The cases have resulted in the council being awarded more than £1,200 in legal costs since April with more prosecutions on the way.

Currently it is against the law to let a dog leave a mess in a public place but the regulations are virtually impossible to enforce.

The council has to prove "culpable neglect" by owners and dogs can foul roadside verges.

But when the new laws are introduced, Blackburn with Darwen Council will be able to designate no go areas for dog fouling and fixed penalty fines of £25.

The council is also considering installing poop scoop bins and signs at various sites across the borough.

Coun Mike Barratt, chairman of environment services, said: "Dog owners should be aware that they are responsible for their pets.

"The council, through the new legislation, will not hesitate to take action against people who behave unreasonably and fail to exercise proper control over their dogs."

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