DURHAM City Council has launched a zero tolerance campaign against dog fouling.

Owners who do not pick up their pets' deposits face a £50 fine as the council's wardens carry out a high-level enforcement crackdown throughout the month.

"Neighbourhood wardens and the dog warden will focus on areas known to be affected by irresponsible dog owners,'' said the council's environmental contracts manager Neil Laws.

"Anyone who fails to clear up can expect the warden who witnessed the offence to issue an on-the-spot fixed penalty fine of £50.

"Not knowing of the offence or not having a means of clearing up is no excuse."

The council says that dog fouling is one of the biggest areas of concern among residents and a source of many complaints, despite efforts to educate dog owners to act responsibly.

Officials say that reducing fouling improves the appearance of streets and grassed areas and lowers the risk of people catching diseases from dogs' deposits.

Fraser Reynolds, the council's new leader, who held the environment portfolio, said: "Educating dog owners about their responsibilities plays a vital role in tackling this issue, but where required, we will not hesitate to use fixed penalty notices to ensure offenders are reminded of the need to comply with the law.''

Owners who want to avoid the risk of a fine can collect free poop scoop bags. Details of where they are available can be obtained by calling 0191-377 7157.