DROITWICH dog owners who allow their dogs to roam the streets unattended will be fined in a new crackdown.

Wychavon District Council is launching a fresh attempt to rid the district's streets of stray dogs.

Previously, when the council's dog wardens found stray dogs, they attempted to return them to their owners on the first three times the dog was found straying.

Additionally, the council would waive the fixed penalty of £25.

But not anymore. Now when a dog is found straying on more than one occasion, the dog will be seized and taken to the council's kennels.

The pet will then not be returned until the owners have paid the fixed penalty, plus administration charges and kennelling expenses.

"One chance is enough," said dog warden Pip Singleton.

"Every owner of a stray dog is given a stern warning, so for them to allow the same thing to happen repeatedly is unacceptable.

"We have previously spent far too much time trying to return the same dog to its owner time after time.

"Allowing dogs to stray is dangerous to pedestrians and traffic, it also leads to increased dog fouling, which is unpleasant and potentially dangerous for everyone.

"Dog owners must realise that having a collar and tag or microchip is not a licence to let their dog stray."

Anyone who finds a stray dog can contact the dog wardens on 01386 565015.

or take it to the nearest police station.