Hundreds of dog owners continually fail to clean up after their pets across Waveney, as figures reveal three people have been prosecuted for failing to pay subsequent penalities.

East Suffolk Council have the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of £80 to dog owners caught failing to clean up after their pets, with 12 issued in 2018/19.

On average, over the last 11 years the council receives 175 reports of dog fouling, while 32 incidents had already been reported by the start of April this year.

Now, council bosses have urged owners to clean up after their pets as the summer season approaches, in a bid to keep streets clean and tidy.

A spokesperson for the council said: 'While we hope these punishments will act as a deterrent to irresponsible dog fouling, we would much rather dog owners acted responsibly by showing respect for other people and the environment.

'Our district is a really dog friendly place and we know that most dog owners are responsible, clearing up after their pets. It is only a very small minority of inconsiderate people, who feel the rules do not apply to them and do not clear up.

'There is absolutely no excuse for failing to clear up after your dog. We want to ensure that all public areas are safe for everyone to enjoy and will not hesitate to take action against anyone who is found responsible for despoiling our environment.'

Anyone who fails to pay the FPN may be prosecuted and could face a maximum fine of £1,000.

Out of 1,945 reports since 2008, one owner was prosecuted in 2017 and two were prosecuted in 2018.

The council spokesperson said: 'We will take action against the inconsiderate minority of people who refuse to clear up after their pets.

'However, a small number of people refuse to accept the fine and in these cases, where we have the evidence to do so, we will prosecute them through the courts.

'Not only is highly unpleasant, it is also a hazard to health.'

Anyone who sees a dog owner failing to clear up is urged to note the time, place and as much detail as possible, such as breed of dog, description of owner and dog and any vehicle they are using.

Details can then be passed on to the council's Environmental Protection Team on 0333 016 2000 or by emailing environment@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.