Youngsters will get a warning first

Carmarthenshire Council says it will issue fixed penalties of �25 to teenagers who fail to clean up after their pets.

The warning comes after dog wardens stopped a juvenile in Llanelli.

In the first instance, children between the ages of 13-16 will be given a warning and a letter sent to their parents.

We have a commitment to stopping the problem of dog fouling in Carmarthenshire Pam Palmer

If they are caught again they will be fined and, if they refuse to pay, they could end up in court.

Seventeen-year-olds will be treated the same as adults.

Dog wardens began patrolling the county in November after the authority passed by-laws making it an offence not to clean up after a dog.

�1,000 fine

Residents in Llanelli, Ammanford, Carmarthen, Cross Hands and Tumble have all been fined.

No-one has refused to pay so far but, if they do, they will be taken before magistrates who have the power to increase the fine to �1,000.

Environment board member Pam Palmer

Enforcement officer Mike Roberts said that young people out walking dogs would be shown how to use poop scoops.

"If they caught offending they will be given a warning letter and their parents will also receive a copy," he said.

"If they are caught for a second time, fixed penalties will be issued," he added.

Environment executive board member Pam Palmer said: "It is not our wish to prosecute young people, which is why we are taking the step of issuing warning letters.

"We have a commitment to stopping the problem of dog fouling in Carmarthenshire," she said.

"It was one of the main concerns expressed by residents," she added.