COUNCIL officials are once again having to remind dog owners to make sure they clear up the mess left behind by their pets.

After recent heavy rain across South Somerset, it would appear that many dog walkers are not taking their dogs on their usual walking routes but instead using local roads and lanes to avoid both dog and owner getting muddy.

A particular popular route for dog walkers appears to be Catchgate Lane in Chard where many dog owners seem to be forgetting to take their poop scoop bags and clean up after their pets.

South Somerset District Council's enforcement officers have received several complaints in the past few weeks from local residents regarding the amount of dog mess being left in the lane.

The enforcement officers will be mounting regular patrols of the area in a bid to catch any offenders failing to remove their pet's mess.

A council spokesman said: “We would also like to remind dog owners that, fixed penalty notices can be issued on the evidence of any member of the public.

“If anyone sees anyone not cleaning up after their dog please report the incident, giving the enforcement officers as much information as possible.”

Dog walkers are reminded that they should be clearing up after their dogs everywhere, even when they go back to using footpaths for their regular walks.

Cllr Jo Roundell Greene, who is responsible for environment matters in the district, added: “We want to make it clear that failing to remove dog fouling is unacceptable and that we can issue fixed penalties for this offence.

“Our enforcement team will be stepping up their patrols not just in Catchgate Lane, but across the district.”

Incidents of dog fouling can be reported to the council by calling 01935-462462 and speaking to an enforcement officer confidentially.