As part of the It’s your place campaign, we are reminding residents that allowing pets to foul in public places is a criminal offence; anyone caught faces an £80 Fixed Penalty Notice, which goes up to £100 if not paid within 28 days.

Dog faeces can cause the infection, toxocariasis, which particularly affects children between 18 months and five years old. If swallowed, the toxocariasis larvae can result in infection that lasts between six and 24 months. Symptoms include eye disorders, vague ache, dizziness, nausea, asthma and, in extremely rare cases, seizures or fits.

Bagged dog waste can be placed in any public litter bin or taken home and disposed of in general household waste bins.

Dog owners can pick up free dog fouling bags from any council library, housing office or First Stop Shop.

“Most dog owners act responsibly but unfortunately some people let their dogs out on their own or don’t bag and bin the waste, creating a health risk for anyone who stands in the mess and takes it into their home or work,” said Councillor Helen Loughran, Convener of the Environment and Climate Change Committee.

“We all want our communities to be clean and safe for everyone, so the council is reminding dog owners to clean up after their pets or face a fine.

“There’s no excuse – free bags are widely available and can be placed in any litter or household bin.”

Residents who see owners allowing their dogs to foul without cleaning up, can report it to the council by calling 0345 143 0015, giving details of the location, times, dog and owner. For more information, visit www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/pests-and-pollution/dogs/dog-fouling

The ‘It’s your place’ campaign is tackling issues including litter, dog fouling, fly tipping and grafitti that impact on communities by asking residents and businesses to work with the council to help keep North Lanarkshire clean and safe for everyone.