A TEAM of 12 environmental health and licensing officers headed out across Taunton Deane on Dog Action Day to educate people about responsible dog ownership.

They filled people in with details about local bylaws, dog fouling, the new micro chipping legislation and licensed animal boarding establishments.

The council receives an average of 70 complaints a year from residents experiencing dog fouling issues - if you allow your pet to foul in a public space you will be issued with a £50 penalty notice, which could lead to a £1,000 fine.

Cllr Patrick Berry, Taunton Deane Borough Council's executive councillor for environmental services, said: “There is no excuse for not picking up after any dog in your care.

"As a nation of animal lovers it is in everyone’s interest to ensure that owners look after their dogs properly, and that includes respecting the environment and the people that share it.

"Educating dog owners is a very important part of the work carried out by our staff and we hope it will lead to less need for enforcement action.”

The council picks up more than 170 stray dogs a year.

Since April, dogs must be micro-chipped, as well as having a collar and tag with the owner's name and address.

Discovery of a non-micro-chipped dog will result in the issue of a notice requiring the dog to be chipped within 21 days after which a fine of £500 can be issued.

The team also reminded dog owners of the importance of ensuring they leave their pets with a licensed animal boarding establishment while on holiday.