NEW measures to crack down on irresponsible dog owners came into force yesterday.

Council officials in Stockton borough have launched the fight in response to more than 300 complaints a year about the problem of dog fouling.

Officers from the council will be stopping dog owners over the next four weeks, offering them advice about the new regulations and the penalties for offending, and giving them the opportunity to put the dog dirt in the bin.

After the four-week introductory period is up, on the spot fines of £25 will be issued to anyone caught offending.

Councillor Geoff Field, the council's cabinet member for the environment said: "This is another step forward in the fight to make the borough a clean and safe place to live and work.

"An increasing number of dog owners are responsible and pick up the mess their dogs make. Once again, a minority of people are letting the majority down."

The council will institute legal proceedings against dog owners caught a second time, which could lead to a maximum fine of £1,000 from the courts.