A DISTRICT council has declared war on dog owners who fail to clear up after their messy pets.

Bob Smith, Director of Services at South Bucks District Council, said that warnings will no longer be given to irresponsible owners and that on-the-spot fines will be issued.

He added: "We were pleased to see such a rapid increase in the usage of dog bins provided by the council.

"This proves that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible in dealing with dog waste.

"Despite this, we were dismayed to see that a small minority of dog owners have not used a poop scoop."

The council has the power to issue on-the-spot fixed penalty fines to dog owners who are caught in the act of allowing their dog to foul an area without disposing of the waste properly.