DOG owners - watch your step!That was the message today as Ipswich Borough Council handed out hundreds of advice leaflets to members of the public during its Dog Watch campaign week - and dealt out 12 on-the-spot fines to pet owners who did not clean up after their pooches.

By Amanda Cresswell

DOG owners - watch your step!

That was the message today as Ipswich Borough Council handed out hundreds of advice leaflets to members of the public during its Dog Watch campaign week - and dealt out 12 on-the-spot fines to pet owners who did not clean up after their pooches.

With backing from your Evening Star, staff also put up hundreds of signs throughout the town to help spread the message that if you don't pick up the poo, you could pick up a criminal record instead.

Mike Grimwood, Animal Welfare Service Manager, said: "We were very

pleased at the success of the campaign and were encouraged by the large

numbers of responsible pet owners we saw who did clean up after their

pets."

The Council is determined to crack down on the minority of dog owners who

do not as children can suffer blindness from catching toxicara canis from

dog faeces.

"Dog mess on our streets and in our parks can ruin the enjoyment of open spaces and pose a serious health threat," he added

Not clearing up after your dog in public is a criminal offence. This means

the council can hand out an on-the-spot fine of £25 after issuing a

caution.

If the person accepts the ticket with the intention of paying it

is immediately decriminalised but if they challenge it they could be taken

to court and face a fine of up to £1,000 and pick up a criminal record.

The Council's Dog Watch campaign was supported by BBC Radio Suffolk and the Evening Star.