JUST eight local dog owners have been slapped with fines for failing to pick up their pets poo in the last year.

East Ayrshire Council has been on a crackdown to put a stop to owners from leaving their dogs mess behind.

Cumnock tops the list of local areas, with five owners being hit with fixed penalty notices in the past year. Dalmellington saw two residents hit in the pocket for not picking up their pets poo and there was just one fine dished out in Muirkirk. New Cumnock and Auchinleck had no fines handed over the last year.

The Chronicle reported last month how new legislation that came in to effect on April 1 now means that anyone handed a fine for failing to pick up their dogs mess would have it doubled from £40 to £80.

From April 1 fixed penalties across Scotland saw the increase come in to effect.

Dog fouling has been a key areas that the council has been trying to tackle.

Paul Todd, East Ayrshire Council’s Regulatory Services Manager, said: “In 2015/16 across the whole of East Ayrshire, the Corporate Enforcement Unit issued 195 Fixed Penalty Notices for offences such as littering, fly tipping and dog fouling.

“Of this total, 52 related to the offence of dog fouling and we’re committed to catching more irresponsible owners, who fail to pick up after their dog.

“It’s completely unacceptable and we welcome the tougher penalties now in force for those owners who refuse to pick up after their dogs - increased from £40 to £80 across Scotland.

“Catching people in the act is easier said than done, but where we do, a penalty is always issued.

“Local residents can help us, especially if it is someone you see on a regular basis.

“Gather as much information as you can, then call us on 01563 553520, but please don’t approach irresponsible dog owners yourself.

“We will prosecute all instances where offences are detected.”

Free dog waste bags are available to all owners in East Ayrshire and can be picked up at Rothesay House in Cumnock, Dalmellington Area Centre, John Dickie Street in Kilmarnock, Galston customer service centre and Stewarton Area Centre.

In the smaller villages in East Ayrshire a number of shops are provided with dog waste bags by the council for distribution to residents free of charge.