DOG walkers are to be fined a stonking ?100 for leaving the house without poo bags - regardless of whether their pet makes a mes
The draconian new ruling could see on-the-spot fines issued to owners, even if their pooch is perfectly trained.
Daventry Council in Northamptonshire, which is introducing the measure from December 1, is thought to be the first in the country to trial the penalty for dog walkers in a bid to rid the streets of steaming mounds of excrement.
The council said there was "overwhelming support" for the proposal and if successful, other local authorities could adopt the scheme.
But The Dogs Trust said the move was equivalent to using "a sledgehammer to crack a nut".
Susie Rabin, head of campaigns at the charity, said: "The overwhelming majority of dog owners do pick up their dog's mess. We would instead rather see time and resources spent on tackling irresponsible dog owners who are behaving in an anti-social way."
Mike Warren, councillor for health issues, said: "We will be advising them to make sure they have extra poop bags with them at all times to ensure they have the means to pick up, regardless of how long they've been out and about with their pet.
"These new powers are not intended to penalise the many responsible dog owners, who should be assured that our officers will be taking a common-sense approach on their patrols.
"It's not unreasonable though, for example, to expect someone who has just arrived at a venue to walk their dog to be carrying poop bags."
Under the rules, council enforcement officers can ask dog walkers to produce either a bag or pooper scooper, with those unable to risking a ?100 fine or prosecution.
Penalties will only be issued from January after officers have conducted a public awareness campaign.
The draconian new ruling could see on-the-spot fines issued to owners, even if their pooch is perfectly trained.
Daventry Council in Northamptonshire, which is introducing the measure from December 1, is thought to be the first in the country to trial the penalty for dog walkers in a bid to rid the streets of steaming mounds of excrement.
The council said there was "overwhelming support" for the proposal and if successful, other local authorities could adopt the scheme.
But The Dogs Trust said the move was equivalent to using "a sledgehammer to crack a nut".
Susie Rabin, head of campaigns at the charity, said: "The overwhelming majority of dog owners do pick up their dog's mess. We would instead rather see time and resources spent on tackling irresponsible dog owners who are behaving in an anti-social way."
Mike Warren, councillor for health issues, said: "We will be advising them to make sure they have extra poop bags with them at all times to ensure they have the means to pick up, regardless of how long they've been out and about with their pet.
"These new powers are not intended to penalise the many responsible dog owners, who should be assured that our officers will be taking a common-sense approach on their patrols.
"It's not unreasonable though, for example, to expect someone who has just arrived at a venue to walk their dog to be carrying poop bags."
Under the rules, council enforcement officers can ask dog walkers to produce either a bag or pooper scooper, with those unable to risking a ?100 fine or prosecution.
Penalties will only be issued from January after officers have conducted a public awareness campaign.
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