TOUGHER controls on dog fouling have been introduced, after more than 90 per cent of the public backed a crackdown.

A Public Space Protection Order was implemented on November 1 which enables Cheshire East Council to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £100 to owners that fail to pick up after their dog.

It will also allow authorised officers to tell a dog walker to keep their canine on a lead if it was showing aggressive behaviour.

Cllr Paul Bates, CEC cabinet member for finance and communication, said: “This consultation got a tremendous response from the public and, as we are a listening authority, we have responded to what they told us.

“It became apparent, from very early on in the process, that our proposals really struck a chord and residents overwhelmingly supported plans to beef up enforcement and promote responsible dog ownership.

“It is clear from the responses that this is an important issue for residents and the council wanted to give the whole community the opportunity to have their say in shaping policies that help make east Cheshire such an attractive place to live, work, build a business and visit.”

CEC received more than 1,400 responses from residents in a four-week public consultation that ended on October 10.