A CLAMPDOWN on dog fouling has been launched after a number of complaints were made about selfish pet owners who fail to bin their pooch’s poop.

East Renfrewshire Council is reminding residents to clean up their dog’s mess – or risk being hit with a fine of up to £100.

It is an offence not to immediately remove dog dirt from any public space and dispose of it in the nearest dog waste bin, litter bin or domestic waste bin.

Council chiefs have said a team of community safety officers are patrolling areas throughout East Renfrewshire in an effort to combat dog fouling.

However, they added that it can be difficult for staff to catch culprits while they are in uniform.

To combat this, officers have been carrying out plain-clothed patrols in areas where dog fouling is a problem.

If a person is caught, they will receive a fixed penalty of £80, rising to £100 if this isn’t paid within 28 days.

Offenders can also be reported to the procurator fiscal and may be fined up to £500 if convicted.

Councillor Colm Merrick, East Renfrewshire’s community services and community safety convener, said: “Many of our residents across all ages get great fun and companionship from having a dog as a pet. However, owning a dog also carries responsibilities, including cleaning up after them.

“I would ask those in charge of dogs outside to make sure they always lift their dog’s mess and deposit it safely in a litter bin.

“This way, we can all contribute to keeping our precious public spaces clean and safe for all members of the public who wish to use them.”