IRRESPONSIBLE dog owners could soon face a fine of up to £100 under new penalties.

East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) is introducing tougher measures to tackle dog fouling in the area, in line with revised government legislation coming into effect next month.

From April 1 fines for dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets will double to £80, rising to £100 if not paid within 28 days.

Fixed penalty notices will be issued to owners, or persons in charge of the dog if they allow their pets to foul in a public place and fail to clean up afterwards.

ERC's community safety officers, commonly known as the community wardens, will be responsible for enforcing the legislation in the council area, and will be increasingly vigilant in identifying and fining offenders.

The Convener of Community Services and Community Safety, Cllr Mary Montague, said: “The majority of dog owners in East Renfrewshire clean up after their dogs.

“Unfortunately there are still some who allow their dogs to foul in public places without clearing it up.

“Local residents and especially children don't want to see or have contact with dog’s dirt.

“We will be targeting those people who fall foul of the law and don't not clean up after their dog.

"East Renfrewshire is a wonderful place to live and work and we want to make sure it stays that way."

Neilston community council has been vocal in recent months about the village's problem with dog foul.

At a recent meeting earlier this month, John Scott, chairman, said: "It's a disgrace in some places."

Members of the public are being asked to help the council crack down on dog fouling, by reporting

any incidents they see online at www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/dogs or call 0800 013 0076.