Dog owners around Great Yarmouth are being reminded to clear up after their four-legged friends this winter – or risk a very un-festive fine.

Nationally, winter evenings bring with them an increase in mess in streets and parks as negligent dog owners use the darkness to dodge clearing up canine doings.

And Great Yarmouth Borough Council is warning that the borough is covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) making dog fouling on any land to which the public has access an offence.

Anyone caught failing to clear up after their dog risks a fine of up to £1,000.

Councillor Paul Wells, chairman of the council’s environment committee, said: “Most dog owners are responsible and do clean up after their pets – they know it is the right thing to do, even though it is not the most pleasant task, especially on a cold dark night.

“For the inconsiderate few that give the majority a bad name, our rangers will enforce the law as firmly as possible. 

“There should be no excuse for this behaviour.”

The council’s environmental rangers are responsible for investigating reported incidents, following up on tip-offs and appealing for information about dog fouling.

They also make efforts to educate the public about the problems dog fouling can cause.

John Read, the founder of anti-littering campaign  Clean Up Britain, said dog fouling posed a risk to the environment, wildlife and people.

He said: “Dog faeces contains toxins and things that are not good for humans, particularly babies and young children. 

“From that point of view, dog fouling is a danger and an environmental hygiene issue – and it's also an issue of nobody wanting to step in that dog mess.”

Mr Read said he thought authorities needed to apply fines for dog fouling in a “more serious, sustained manner”.

Anyone who sees a dog fouling offence can report it to Environmental Health on 01493 846478, by email to environmentalrangers@great-yarmouth.gov.uk or via the Love Clean Streets app.

Evidence that can help the rangers act includes photographs, a description of the dog and person walking it, the location, date and time of the incident.