FENLAND District Council has joined forces with Cambridgeshire Police in a joint crackdown aimed specifically at irresponsible dog owners. Cambridgeshire Police PCSOs (Police Community Service Officers) and officers from the council s dog warden service w

FENLAND District Council has joined forces with Cambridgeshire Police in a joint crackdown aimed specifically at irresponsible dog owners.

Cambridgeshire Police PCSOs (Police Community Service Officers) and officers from the council's dog warden service will now be seen out together in the streets and park areas of Fenland looking out for any dog owners allowing their dogs to foul.

The warden has been targeting known dog fouling hotspots since last August and fixed penalty notices of £50 have been served on offenders.

Fenland Council's portfolio holder for environment services, Councillor Peter Murphy said: "Our aim is to encourage responsible dog ownership and the public has made it clear that dealing with dog mess should be a priority for the council. Working hand-in-hand with the police will enable us to take further steps to deal with dog owners who don't pick up their dog's fouling."

Council officers and PCSOs will carry out regular surveillance of parks, recreation grounds and other identified areas which are affected by dog fouling.

Cllr Fred Yeulett, the council's portfolio holder for enforcement, said: "Leaving dog mess is unacceptable and anti-social behaviour which we're not prepared to tolerate. We're already finding that the majority of dog owners support our approach and are willing to give information to us to assist in the detection of offenders.

"We urge all dog owners to do what the majority do and always carry a bag to clean up. It's a lot cheaper than a £50 penalty.