EAST Durham council bosses have warned they are to get tough with dog owners and flytippers who are caught falling foul of the law.

To combat the problem of dog excreta and litter, Easington district is doubling its on- the-spot fines for offenders from £25 to £50.

Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1966, all streets, footpaths, verges and playing fields have been designated as no fouling areas and it is now an offence for dog owners not to clean up after their pets.

People dropping litter or caught flytipping will also face the increased fine. Anyone failing to pay within 14 days will be taken to court where they will risk penalties of up to £1000.

The council's three-strong dog warden team which began patrols in March 2000 is being boosted by a trio of trainee wardens. They will be responsible for enforcing the law, picking up stray dogs, making cleansing arrangements and promoting the use of waste bins.

So far, the team has caught and fined 75 irresponsible dog owners.

Councillor David Taylor-Gooby, spokesman for the environment, said: "The residents of the district are genuinely concerned about the unpleasantness and danger to health caused by dog fouling.

"The council is determined to reduce the problem of dog fouling and dog owners must start to clean up after their dogs or face being fined.''

For the first time in the district, litter louts and those tipping illegally are also to be issued with on-the-spot fines.

Chairman of the authority's service delivery overview Coun Dennis Raine said: "The council has taken note of the number of complaints we get regarding dog fouling and litter disposal and have decided to get tough on those people who dump litter or refuse to clean up after their dogs."

Anyone witnessing flytipping or people failing to clear up dog fouling should contact the council on 0191-527 0501.