Southend Council is waging war against unsociable dog owners who let their pets foul the street.

The town is to be blitzed with posters and leaflets as part of the Paws for Thought campaign.

The initiative seeks to hammer home three major points:

Scoop the poop - all dog owners should carry a bag to clean up after their dog and put the mess in the bins provided, or take it home to their own bins

Failure to clean up can result in a fine of between £50 and £500 depending on the location

Control your dog - not everyone is a dog lover, so pet owners should never allow their dogs to intrude in other people's gardens or private property

Permanently identify your dog - although the law states a dog must wear a collar and tag, these can get lost or taken off and it is advisable to microchip your pet.

As part of the campaign, microchipping roadshows will be held around the borough at various venues throughout the summer.

Published Thursday, May 29, 2003

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