DOG owners have been warned not to allow their pets to foul a town's streets after a man was given a £50 fine.

A council civil enforcement officer handed the owner a fixed penalty ticket after he was seen allowing his golden retriever to foul a grass verge in Mount Road, Leek.

It was imposed by one of the 12 officials licensed by the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to enforce dog fouling by-laws.

The authority warned dog owners who fail to pay up will be taken to court where they face a maximum £1,000 fine.

Officials urged community-minded citizens to blow the whistle on offenders.

Deputy council leader Arthur Forrester said: "There is a small minority that finds nothing wrong in letting people step in the mess their pet has made.

"But, as our council officers cannot be everywhere at once, I would urge public-spirited citizens to act as our eyes and ears."

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