Dog owners who allow their pets to foul public spaces will be hit with on-the-spot fines, or court prosecution.

The town and county council scheme – Give Dog Fouling The Red Card – aims to tackle dog owners who fail to clean up after their animals.

Following a successful pilot in Abergavenny, MCC has now rolled out ‘awareness days’ across the county.

Taking an active approach, councillors have handed out free refuse bags to dog owners, and highlighted the new approach with warning signs and pavement graffiti in areas hit by dog mess.

Local volunteer Terry Smith, regularly encourages dog owners in Usk to clean up after their pets. As part of last week’s awareness day, Mr Smith worked across Usk to help promote the new initiative.

“I am really encouraged by the response,” said Terry. “It is clear that residents are pleased that the issue of dog fouling is being taken seriously.”

Monmouthshire County Council will take formal action where a person fails to pick up their pet’s faeces – entailing a £75 on the spot fine. Failure to pay could mean a court case.

Peter Fox, leader of MCC, welcomed the work by volunteers, officers, Town and Community Councils, as well as Gwent Police and Keep Wales Tidy.

“Most dog owners are very responsible and we can see the improvements in our communities.

“Our Town and Community councils are really making an effort to support dog owners in this in providing appropriately located bins.

“The few owners who are not taking care are spoiling it for the rest, with reports still coming in of fouling on pavements, footpaths, play areas.

“For those who are not being responsible the message is clear; please do the right thing: ‘bag it and bin it’ .

“If more people did this it would avoid such formal action having to be taken.”