A NEW streamlined strategy against dog fouling in West Somerset comes in to force on Monday.

Currently, the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 applies to some parishes but not to others, which has created boundaries over which dogs could stray.

But now the boundaries will be removed from around parishes so that the district as a whole becomes subject to the Act.

Exceptions to the law will be woodland, moorland, marsh, common and agricultural land and roadsides where there is a speed limit of over 40mph.

Fixed penalties for first offenders are also to be introduced from Monday with £25 fines payable within 14 days. A second offence could still lead to prosecution.

West Somerset dog warden Angela Simpson said: "This new streamlined service will save vital resources and council time while serving as a valuable deterrent in the new strategy against dog fouling."

The handling of strays is also being simplified by West Somerset District Council as part of the streamlining initiative.

Under the Environment Protection Act 1990, a dog warden must seize any apparent stray in a public place such as a highway or on private land.

Until now, such dogs have been returned to their owner by the warden who also collects any fines, costs and fees.

But this is to be reversed so that payments have to be made in to the council offices in Williton before a 'release certificate' is issued with which to claim the dog from the kennels.