DOG owners who don't keep to new, tougher legislation will be prosecuted, warn Pendle Council.

The authority's bid to solve the problem of dog fouling starts with a campaign launched today at Ball Grove picnic site near Colne. To stay within the law, dog owners must now clear up after their pets wherever they go.

Previously, the law applied to pavements but has now been extended to include grass verges, back streets, roads and all council land, including football pitches, parks and cemeteries.

Parish councils are also being invited to adopt the new legislation.

Fifteen council staff, including dog wardens, park rangers and leisure staff, have been trained to put the new laws into practice. They will patrol the borough to check that dog walkers keep within the law.

Environmental Health manager Stuart Arnott, said: "Many people get hot under the collar about dog fouling and the council receives hundreds of complaints every year. "Dog fouling isn't just unsightly, it is a very real health hazard, especially for children playing around our parks and football pitches.''

To make it easier for dog owners to keep within the rules, the council is putting out an extra 25 dog bins and providing details on the purchase of pooper-scoopers. Information can be obtained from the dog wardens on 01282-661167.

Coun Jo Belbin said: "We hope the new laws will help dog owners to be more responsible and not give their dog a bad name.''

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