A NEW campaign has been launched by Bexley Council against irresponsible dog owners.

Called Bag It and Bin It, the campaign is aimed at owners who do not clean up after their pets.

Council officers will be out over the next weeks, talking to dog owners and handing out free dog waste bags, which will also be available in libraries and council offices.

Owners who do not clean up their dog’s mess face £50 fixed penalties and the mess can also pose a danger to other members of the public, as well as being unpleasant for people.

Cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Gareth Bacon said: ”There are still dog owners out there who are prepared to leave dogs’ mess littered on our streets, in our parks and around our countryside.”

For details of the campaign and free bags call 020 8303 7777.