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A crackdown is being launched on dog fouling in Castle Douglas cemetery.

The council has upped patrols in the cemetery in a bid to catch irresponsible owners after concerns over dog mess were raised with elected members.

Dog dirt has been seen on paths as well as grassy areas and beside headstones.

New signs have been put up and community safety officers will continue to be out, in both uniform and plain clothes, to hand out fixed penalty notices to anyone caught not picking up after their dog.

Councillor John Young said: “Quite frankly this is just not on. Anyone who thinks it is acceptable to not pick up after their dog in any public space, let alone a cemetery, fully deserves to be issued with the fixed penalty notice and £80 fine.

“Hopefully the signage we’ve installed will help to deter but there is no greater deterrent than hitting someone in the pocket for their hard earned cash.

“I’m grateful to those who brought the issue to me and my fellow councillors and would encourage anyone who witnesses dog fouling not being responsibly disposed of to report it via the council website or by calling us on 030 33 33 3000.”