DURHAM City Council is planning a November crackdown on dog fouling.

Wardens will patrol known trouble spots throughout the month and anyone caught breaking the law by not clearing up after their pet will get a £50 fixed penalty.

The move follows a responsible ownership campaign that led to a fall in complaints about fouling and a drop in the number of strays rounded up in August.

Free poop scoop bags were distributed and micro-chipping and neutering schemes were promoted.

During the campaign, inquiries about chipping and neutering vouchers were four times higher than normal.

Fraser Reynolds, cabinet member for the environment, said: "The city council is delighted that the campaign produced the desired improvements to the street scene and environment that we hoped to achieve.

"Our aim is to encourage dog owners to become responsible for their dogs and reduce the risks to health and the environment from indiscriminate straying and fouling. The problem remains a high priority.

"Where required, we will not hesitate to use fixed penalty notices to ensure offenders are reminded of the need to comply with the law.

"With this in mind we hope to target known areas of straying and fouling with an intensive enforcement campaign during November. Anyone who allows their dog to foul public areas and fails to clear up will be issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice."

Dog owners in the district can get a chipping voucher by calling the council on 0191-301 8793 or 301 8799.

Benefits recipients can also claim a voucher for neutering or spaying their dog by taking proof they are on benefits to the council's offices in Byland Lodge.