A “dirty dozen” dog owners who failed to clear up after their pets have been handed £50 fines as part of a council’s dog mess crackdown.

Cannock Chase Council has stepped up its patrols across the district over the last few weeks after complaints about dog fouling.

Twelve dog walkers have received £50 fines. Dog fouling hotspots including Etching Hill recreational field, Mount Road, Rugeley, and the Mill Green nature reserve, Lichfield Road, Cannock, are being patrolled regularly.

Residential streets and areas outside schools have also received extra monitoring.

It is the second wave of the council’s blitz on dog waste after a similar crackdown in September saw 29 dog walkers handed penalties.

And there is no end in sight for inconsiderate canine keepers as the council is set to launch Dog Control Orders in April – increasing the fixed penalty fine to £75 in the process.

Councillor Tony Williams, Cannock Chase Council environmental sustainability leader, said: “It’s time for dog owners who fail to clear up after their pets to realise that we will not tolerate their behaviour.

“We are determined to reduce dog fouling in the district and to improve the environment for residents and visitors. The new Dog Control Orders that come into force soon will increase the fine.

“Dog fouling looks terrible and is a genuine public health hazard. I urge all dog walkers to clean up after their pet. If they don’t, there is a real chance they will be hit with penalties.”

The council has identified cleanliness on streets and in public places as one of its top priorities.

Council spokesman Jamie Summerfield said: “Dog fouling that is not cleared away is not only unsightly, it can pose serious health risks, especially to young children. If the dog fouling occurs at regular times, or a particular owner is regularly responsible, it may be possible for an enforcement officer to be in the area, in which case they can then issue the offender with a fixed penalty notice like the dirty dozen.”