PROSECUTIONS will follow if dog owners do not clean up their act, Bromsgrove District Council has warned.

Under new legislation being enforced by the authority, people who let their dogs foul footpaths or parks could be fined £1,000.

The head of environmental health at the council, David Williams, said dog fouling on the streets had increased while parts of the countryside are out of bounds because of foot and mouth disease.

The council also plans a crackdown on dog owners who are still walking in res-tricted areas.

Mr Williams said: "Law breakers bew-are -- we will no longer tolerate such irresponsible behaviour and will prosecute without hesitation.

"We will be watching very carefully and will swoop on those people who fail to scoop the poop, and let their dogs stray.

"We are trying to prevent the spread of foot and mouth but still some dog owners insist on letting their animals run loose."