ENFORCEMENT officers will be conducting extra patrols this month as Cheshire West and Chester Council clamps down on dog fouling.

Council officers will be attending dog fouling hotspots in the borough to deal with irresponsible owners not picking up after their pets.

The visits will take place at peak dog walking times throughout September.

The officers will be speaking with dog owners and ensuring they have the means to pick up after their pets - anyone found without could face being issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100.

Cllr Christine Warner, the council’s cabinet member for homes, planning and safer communities, said: "Dog fouling is a problem caused by thoughtless dog owners who regularly fail to clean up after their dogs.

"Dog fouling is generally considered to be unacceptable behaviour, and most irresponsible dog owners actually know this, so they don’t let their dog foul if another person is in sight.

"This presents a challenge for us to take enforcement action. Officers will therefore be using additional powers under the Dog Fouling and Dog Control Public Space Protection Order to tackle this anti-social behaviour.

"We know the majority of dog owners in Cheshire West and Chester are responsible and clean up after their dogs, and we are sure they will welcome this initiative to tackle the issue with those who are not."

Dog fouling can be reported on the council’s website here.