Lazy dog owners will be fined for not clearing up after their pet.

Animal welfare officers will patrol Brighton and Hove's parks and seafront to catch irresponsible owners.

A £50 instant fine will be given to those who fail to clean up dog mess instantly. Repeat offenders could be prosecuted by Brighton and Hove City Council and fined up to £1,000.

Acting divisional environmental health officer Roy Pickard said: "Dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets are being irresponsible and could be putting other people's health at risk.

"The best way to clear up dog mess is to use a doggy bag or carrier bag, which can be placed in a dog bin. If there are no bins available, double wrap the dog litter and either take it home and place it in your domestic refuse or, as a last resort, place it in a street litter bin."