RESPONSIBLE dog owners in West Looe, who say they are fed up with the minority who do not 'pick up' after their pets, giving them a bad name, have met up with their local county councillor.

They are supporting councillor for West Looe and Lansallos, Edwina Hannaford, in her campaign to get the minority of dog owners who allow their animals to foul the streets 'to clean up their act'.

Mandy Phillpotts, of Woodlands View, West Looe, said: 'I am fed up with us responsible dog owners getting such a bad name.

'I carry a small "poo bone" bag dispenser with me when I take my dog for a walk.

'It's a no brainer really.'

Cllr Hannaford has fixed laminated Scoop The Poop posters on dog bins outlining the fines if caught allowing a dog to foul, and she has also been issuing dog poo bags to people she has seen out walking and not carrying one.

'I am sickened by the amount of dog mess on our streets, especially along Pennyland in West Looe', said cllr Hannaford.

'It's not as though there are no bins in this area as there are three within a few metres of each other.

'I consider this behaviour to be highly anti social.

'We want to make our town centres more attractive for locals and visitors and I urge people to report any instances of dog foulling they witness to Cornwall Council.'

Cllr Hannaford is also asking Cornwall Council if they can step up the dog warden patrols in the West Looe hotspots for dog foulling, and is asking the library on The Millpool if they can sell the "poo bone" bag dispensers which can be attached to a dog lead.

To report instances of dog fouling call Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 212 or register a complaint online.

All dog owners have a legal duty to clean up every time their animals mess in a public place.

Failing to clean up after your dog if caught will result in a fixed penalty being issued which is £80 reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days.

If there is a prosecution case and you are found guilty you would face a maximum fine of £1,000.

Scoop The Poop posters are available from the Looe Library and One Stop Shop, on the Millpool, or from cllr Hannaford.