DOG owners found guilty of breaching a Public Space Protection order (PSPO) could be forced to pay out £100.

Denbighshire County Council has implemented the PSPO to ensure dog owners control their pets properly whilst using county public areas.

The PSPO, launched following a full consultation, will allow the local authority to take action against owners who allow their dogs to foul in an area of public land without cleaning up after them.

The intention of introducing the revised, county wide control of dogs PSPO is to effectively deal with particular problems and nuisances that occur across the county.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “Any persons found guilty of breaching the order are liable on summary conviction to a fine.

"Depending on the behaviour in question, the enforcing officer could decide that a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 would be the most appropriate sanction.

"PSPOs may be enforced by police officers, police community safety officers and any officers designated by Denbighshire County Council.”

This order also prohibits owners from taking their dogs onto sports pitches across Denbighshire and also letting a dog off a lead anywhere that is not allowed.

There are also restrictions on Rhyl and Prestatyn beaches between May and September 30. Readers are asked to check the signs in these areas.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We know that the majority of Denbighshire dog owners are respectful of other members of the public and they do clean up after their pets. Unfortunately, the council does receive a number of complaints from residents regarding anti-social behaviour from dog owners who don’t control their dogs properly in public places.

“This new PSPO will allow us to take the appropriate action against those dog owners who behave irresponsibly with their pets in public.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind all dog owners to ensure that they carry appropriate dog mess bags with them when they take their dogs for a walk.”