TOUGH new laws to curb dog owners who let their pets foul in public places are set to come into force in Bolton at the end of April.

Environment and consumer sub committee councillors have given their backing to the proposals which will make it an offence not to clean up after a dog.

They will now have to be given final approval at the next full council meeting on March 17.

If they rubber-stamp the move, it will be advertised and become an offence on April 26.

Council environmental health chiefs are poised to create certain areas of town "action zones" which will be targeted.

Anyone who is caught and is prosecuted could be fined up to £1,000.

Moves are also being made to appoint a special enforcement officer to administer the new rules.

A report presented to councillors said that since the proposals were advertised there had been 28 letters of support and three letters of objection.

The order extends the "poop scoop" requirement to the whole borough enabling parks, school playing fields and open spaces to be covered as well as roads and footpaths.

The report said: "The new law is not anti dog, but rather anti fouling, putting the emphasis on the owners of dogs to clean up after their pets.

"To suggest the new law will result in many dogs being destroyed and many more being kept as prisoners in their own home is unfounded.

"The disease risk from dog fouling, particularly in park areas where children play are well researched and documented.

"Any suggestion that fouling in such places is acceptable because it has always happened is in itself irresponsible."

Labour Cllr Joyce Kellett said at yesterday's meeting: "The majority of dog owners do clean up, it is just a minority who do not."

Tory deputy leader Cllr John Walsh called on the council to ensure they do supply enough bins.

He was told that there are currently around 70 across the borough and there are likely to be more provided.

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