DOG owners could be fined up to £1,000 if they fail to clean up after their pets under tough new rules being considered for Bolton.

The council is looking at bringing in strict new regulations to replace existing bye-laws on pavement and open spaces fouling by dogs, which currently carry a maximum fine of £100.

At present the council is allowed only to force owners to take responsibility when their dogs foul pavements and roadside grass verges.

But new powers will allow people who do not clean up after their pets in parks and other specially designated public open spaces to be prosecuted.

Pet owners will not be able to give the excuse that they did not see their dog making a mess or claim that they did not have a poop-scoop. At present, town hall officials are awaiting government guidance on whether the council will be under an obligation to provide doggie toilets in parks.

Pet owners who are taken to court can be fined up to £1000 or adopt a fixed penalty system £25 fines.

The council's Dog Control Working Party will examine all the issues and their recommendations will go to the council's Environment and Consumer sub-committee later this year.

Environmental Protection Manager Barry Lloyd said of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996: "It is to be welcomed because it means simpler controls to force people pick up their dog waste.

"But it does raise a number of issues that need to be considered, particularly about enforcement and resources."

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