Dog walkers in Dacorum who fail to pick up their pooch’s poo can now face an on-the spot fine of £75.

Council officers say they’ve tried dog-fouling patrols, public meetings and leaflet drops to try and clean up the messy problem – without success.

And now Dacorum Borough Council is set to bring in a package of fines, designed to crackdown on all dog-related anti-social behaviour.

As well as facing penalties for failing to pick up the poo, dog walkers could now be fined for failing to carry the necessary bags to pick it up with.

And they could be fined if they refuse to put their dog on a lead, following a request from a police officer or other authorised person.

In addition, the new measures include a number of specified ‘dog exclusion zones’, including enclosed children’s play areas, adventure playgrounds and splash parks.

The penalties will come into force as part of a Public Space Protection Order – or PSPO – which was agreed by councillors on Tuesday (March 19).

Cllr Neil Harden, portfolio holder for community and regulatory services, said the Dog Management PSPO followed public consultation – with most of the 1220 respondents in favour.

“The PSPO is designed to encourage responsible dog ownership,” he said.

“Most owners across the borough are incredibly conscientious, however a small minority are not, which in turn spoils enjoyment of our open spaces and children’s play areas.

“Dog fouling is a continual problem in our parks and in residential areas, and the new orders will help address this and the other issues it covers.”

A PSPO allows councils to prohibit specified activities within designated areas, in order to prevent anti social behaviour.

And failure to comply with an order can result in an on-the-spot ‘fixed penalty notice’.

Before coming up with the PSPO the council tried to crackdown on dog-related anti-social behaviour in a number of ways.

These included targeted fouling events in Chaulden and surrounding areas, dog fouling patrols across the borough, community meetings. letter drops and responsible dog ownership events with the PDSA.

But, a report for the meeting of the cabinet says the programme of targeted events hasn’t had the required effect.

“Despite all of these events concerns still exist around a number of dog related activities currently occurring across Dacorum,” says the report.

“These activities are considered detrimental to the quality of life for persons living in and using Dacorum.”

Councillors first made the recommendation for the PSPO in April 2018, after which there was a period of public consultation.

The PSPO was then amended and further consultation with the police was undertaken.

And at a meeting of the cabinet on Tuesday it was given the go-ahead.

According to the report, the PSPO will remain in force for thee years and can be enforced by a police officer or another person authorised by the authority.

There are some groups who are exempt from the order. They include those with dogs who are registered as blind and those who are deaf, who rely on their dog for assistance.