A MOBILE closed circuit television camera could be used in Teesdale in a bid to crackdown on dog owners who refuse to clean up after their pets.

The use of the camera is being looked at by the district council environmental health department, whose head, Howard Stainthorpe, said: "We are investigating the possible use of the mobile camera and are liaising with police. We are at a very early stage in the negotiations, but if the scheme goes ahead we will be looking at suitable sites for the camera, which could go anywhere."

He added that his department often received complaints about dog fouling, but people were reluctant to put their name to a formal complaint, whereas if a camera were in situ, it would effectively catch dogs in the act.

Meanwhile, the council has handed out two £50 fines after dog warden Julie Fletcher stopped a man and woman, in separate incidents, who were allowing their pets to foul the Demesnes in Barnard Castle.

"The fine has gone up from £25 to £50 and obviously the owners, who were carrying disposal bags but did not use them, were a bit aggrieved, but they have paid up," said Mr Stainthorpe. He warned that anyone who refused to pay a fixed penalty fine could be taken to court and face a fine of up to £1,000.

"Surely the easiest option is to clean up after your dog," he added.

The council is also liaising with Deerbolt Young Offenders' Institution and the Bowes Museum, which have both asked for help in keeping down dog mess.

"Deerbolt does provide waste bins but they are not being used," said Mr Stainthorpe. "It does not mind people exercising dogs if they would just clear up after them.

"The dog warden is often out early in the morning or late at night, visiting villages on a regular basis, and as I keep repeating we can only tackle the problem of dog fouling if people are prepared to tell us about it. After all, owners who clean up after their dogs have nothing to fear.