‘IF WE catch you, you’ll pay’ – that is the strong message Stroud District Council is sending out to dog owners who let their pets foul in public.

The warning comes after an owner was recently forced to pay more than £1,000 in fines and court costs for failing to clean up their dog’s mess in Dursley early this year.

"This was an excellent outcome and shows how seriously we and the courts take this problem," said Cllr Joe Forbes (Con, Minchinhampton), SDC’s cabinet member for community services.

"Dog fouling is not the most glamorous of topics but it is a genuine issue which angers many of us."

To address the issue, the council will be staging a series of dog warden surgeries across the district to allow residents an opportunity to discuss any dog-related issues they may have.

These will be held at Stonehouse Town Council offices from 10am – 12pm on Friday, October 7, Stroud Town Council offices from 11.30am – 1.30pm on Tuesday, October 11 and Painswick Parish Council offices from 10am – 12pm on Friday, October 21.

"Of course you do not need to wait for the surgeries to report any concerns," added Cllr Forbes.

"Anyone annoyed by persistent dog fouling in their area should contact us on 01453 754478."

Alternatively, complaints can be made online at www.stroud.gov.uk/reportit