THE Forest of Dean District Council is starting a crackdown on dog-fouling and promises to enforce fixed-penalty fines for any offences.
The council's Street Warden team have been targeting pet poop as part of a drive to clean up the district.
"In April the council, along with town and parish councils, will be implementing a Dog Control Order for Dog Fouling of Land under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005," says a spokesman.
"Under this order it is an offence if a dog does its business at any time in any public place, and the person who is in charge of the dog at the time fails to remove the faeces immediately.
"This includes any place in the open air to which the public or any section of the public has access for example footpaths, roads and verges, green spaces, schools, pathways and sports fields."
The council says the problem of dog fouling is a concern throughout the district. It is not only a nuisance but also a potential danger and health threat.
Street Wardens will be able to issue offenders with a fixed penalty of £50 rising to £80 if not paid within 10 days. Failure to pay the fixed penalty notices may result in prosecution.
The wardens have also been organising poster competitions with primary schools to raise awareness of the problems. The winning designs will be used as posters and displayed in areas where the problem occurs most.