THE Fenland Council dog warden service is out in force in Wisbech and surrounding villages throughout September, clamping down on anti-social dog owners who allow their dogs to foul public spaces and then fail to pick up the mess after them. The clampdown

THE Fenland Council dog warden service is out in force in Wisbech and surrounding villages throughout September, clamping down on anti-social dog owners who allow their dogs to foul public spaces and then fail to pick up the mess after them.

The clampdown follows consultation with Town and Parish Councillors as well as with District Councillors, which led to considerable co-operation in identifying hotspots and even habitual offenders.

Dog warden Terry Ball, will now be targeting known hotspots and is keen to hear from local people who can identify persistent offenders. The warden has powers to issue on-the-spot fines of £50 to offenders where there is sufficient evidence.

Most dog owners are responsible and they pick up after their dogs. The warden is always available to talk to dog owners about dog fouling and how to be responsible owners, but if he has evidence of persistent offending, he will prosecute.

Anyone with information about persistent offenders, such as their names, addresses, vehicle number plates or times and places where dog fouling takes place, is asked to contact Mr Ball through the council's contact centre on 01354 654321.

Councillor Peter Murphy, portfolio holder for Streets Ahead, said: "The minority of people who do not pick up after their dogs are seriously inconveniencing other people. That is not acceptable. We are targeting Wisbech and the surrounding villages, not just to catch people out, but also to encourage them to pick up after their animals.