DOG fouling has become such a problem in the Flushing and Mylor area that the parish council has teamed up with the environmental health department and the Carrick dog warden to crack down on offenders.

Staff have identified persistent problem areas within Mylor and Flushing and these will be targeted using high profile patrols undertaken by the dog warden and staff from Carrick district council.

Offenders who allow their dog to foul and fail to pick it up will be issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice.

Education and information will also be given to dog walkers seen out during the times of the operation.

Ed Fleck, dog warden for Carrick district council, said: "The vast majority of dog owners behave responsibly and clear up after their dog. Unfortunately, it is the few who do not take responsibility for their dog that spoil the environment for everyone else.

"Every dog owner should know it is their legal responsibility to clean up the waste left behind by their dog and we will not hesitate to take action against anyone seen not doing so."

Ian James, a technical officer within the environmental health department at Carrick district council, said: "Dog faeces left in public areas can be a potential health problem, especially to children. Toxicaris, a disease caused by the eggs of roundworms can cause aches pains, bronchial conditions and in extreme cases, the loss of eyesight.

"Dog faeces also harbour other diseases and bacteria, which can be spread on shoes and wheels. However, there are no health risks to you from immediately clearing up after your dog as the eggs of the toxocara worm take over two weeks to hatch and become active."

District councillor for Mylor, Judith Whitely, said: "I become very disheartened with the attitude of some dog owners towards their dogs doodle'. One dog owner I spoke to recently stated that he usually kicks his dogs doodles' into the grass verge.

"This, if not picked up, can become a potential health hazard, not only for children but also to the poor person who cuts the grass verge. Owners have to accept they have not only a moral responsibility to pick up after their dog but also a legal one.

"If picking up is carried out, then the whole community benefits."

Chairman of Mylor parish council, Mr Tony Andrew, said: "If all dog owners would keep their dog in view and pick up after them, as all responsible owners should, then Mylor and Flushing would have a better environment for all to enjoy."

Dog owners should always carry the means to clean up after their dogs, and make use of the dog waste bins that have been provided in the areas of Mylor and Flushing. If a bin cannot be found, then the waste can be securely double bagged and placed in the household refuse which is collected weekly.