Higher fixed penalties for dog fouling will mean double trouble for dog owners failing to pick up after their pets.

The fixed penalty for dog fouling is currently £40 but from 1 April it will be raised to £80 across Scotland.

Dog fouling still remains a significant concern for local residents and fixed penalties have been handed out for this form of anti social behaviour since they were introduced in Scotland in 2003.

There are a number of local campaigns which run throughout the year to promote responsible dog ownership including:

• Green Dog Walkers - launched seven years ago it now has over 1,000 pledgers in the Falkirk Council area and the campaign is running in 26 other local authorities
• Schools – Litter Strategy Team work with schools to produce their own dog fouling campaigns and promote them to their peers, families and friends
• Wanted campaign – The Community Safety Team target areas with high levels of dog fouling encouraging residents to report dog fouling
• Canine Capers – an annual event to promote and encourage  responsible dog ownership

Each year over four  million dog bags are provided free to dog owners across the area and complaints about dog fouling are reducing year on year.