Dog owners across the district who fail to clean up after their pets in parks or public spaces could find themselves falling foul of the law.

New Council legislation, which comes into effect on Monday, means anyone caught leaving behind dog mess by Bradford Council's dog wardens will being issued with a £25 fixed penalty.

If the owner fails to pay this fine within 14 days then they will be summoned to court and at worst, be fined up to £1,000 for the offence.

The measures mean dog owners must clean up after their pets if they foul on most of the Council-owned land to which the public has access - including roads, footpaths, grass verges, parks, and playing fields. They will also be liable for any offence committed by their dogs if they are allowed out alone.

Bradford Council's Housing and Environmental Protection Directorate, along with the Five Areas Panel, officially launched its 'Pest or Pet?' initiative today at Keighley Town Hall.

More than 100,000 leaflets have been distributed and warning signs have been put up on roads throughout the district and other areas designated under the Dogs (Fouling of land) Act 1996 as protected.

Chairman of the Council's Leisure Services Committee, Councillor Barry Thorne, said: "We want dog owners to understand that it is unacceptable to allow their dog foul public areas without cleaning up after them.

"Not only does it show a complete disregard for other people but it also poses a serious health risk, particularly to children."

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