TOUGH regulations look set to be introduced which will create no-go zones for dog owners who allow their pets to foul.

And owners in Blackburn and Darwen who get caught allowing their dogs to leave mess in the new exclusion zones could be faced with on the spot fines of £25.

Town hall bosses are considering the move following changes to the law which mean councils no longer need to introduce bye-laws if they want to change the regulations controlling dogs.

But a blanket ban on dog mess in the borough would be impossible to introduce because dogs are allowed to foul on open land and moorland.

The existing rules mean it is illegal to allow an animal to leave droppings on footpaths and public places.

But loopholes mean grass verges and other areas are not included. Council officials also have to prove neglect by owners led to an animal fouling a public place.

Officials say the current laws mean it is very difficult to successfully prosecute dog owners.

If councillors agree to change the rules, signs and bins will have to installed in parks, car parks and sports grounds across the borough.

The council is also planning to step up action against people who allow their dogs to stray.

Owners who allow dogs to stray are likely to be fined more than £40 if they appear before the courts and if the dog does not have a tag the fine could be as much as £93.

The changes will be discussed at an an environment services sub-committee meeting on Tuesday.

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