TWENTY-NINE dog walkers have been hit with fines as part of a clampdown on irresponsible owners during non-working hours.

Operation ‘Dawn and Dusk’ patrols were introduced to identify dog owners who allowed their dogs to foul public areas outside the normal working hours of council environmental wardens in mornings and evenings.

The campaign comes just prior to the school holiday period, which will see a huge increase in the numbers of children and families using the borough's parks and playing fields.

Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron, cabinet member for the environment, said: “This initiative has been deliberately introduced on the run up to the school holiday period and sends out a clear message – the council will not tolerate this behaviour and will adopt whatever tactics are needed to identify and deal with offenders.

“Fixed penalties are offered for most first offences but we will prosecute were necessary, and in all cases for repeat offenders. The public deserve to have parks and open green spaces which they and especially their children, can be proud of and enjoy.

“I would encourage everyone to report dog fouling and those responsible for it to the council. If you are in charge of a dog then it's your responsibility to clean up after it. Not keeping an eye on your dog or forgetting to take bags will not be accepted as excuses.”