DOG owners in Newport will be fined £75 if they are caught failing to clear up their pet’s mess.

Previously pet owners may have received a warning or advice from community safety wardens or dog wardens in place of a fine.

But now the city council says anyone found to be committing the crime will be fined.

Councillor Gail Giles, cabinet member for licensing and statutory functions, said she and many of her colleagues get lots of complaints about the issue.

She said not only its dog mess unpleasant, it can also be a serious health hazard, especially to children – the biggest worry being toxicariasis, which can lead to blindness.

She said: "I know the majority of dog owners in the city are responsible and do "bag it and bin it".

"However, we will not tolerate the selfish few who don’t or won’t take the simple step of picking up after their pets."

Those who refuse to pay the fixed penalty notice will be taken to court.

In one recent case, a woman who failed to pay was summoned to magistrates’ court where she was found guilty in her absence.

She was fined £120, ordered to pay £77.50 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

As well as the regular patrols, the authority is calling on the public to report anyone they know who regularly commits the offence.

They will be asked to give a description of the dog owner and information about where and at what the time of days it happens. This can be done anonymously.

Wardens will then visit those places in a bid to catch the culprit.

E-mail info@newport.gov.uk or call 01633 656656.