Two dog walkers who failed to pick up muck left behind by a pet have been fined as part of a council’s zero-tolerance approach to fouling in the street.

They both now face large bills after being taken to court by Folkestone and Hythe District Council.

Dean Marsh, of Ivy Way, pleaded guilty to a Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) breach in Tram Road and fined £150. He was also ordered to pay £50 costs and a £60 victim surcharge, with the total bill costing £260.

Kurt Metalle, of Bouverie Road West, was found guilty of a PSPO breach in The Old High Street and fined £200 fine, ordered to pay £200 costs and £80 victim surcharge. His bill totals £480.

The pair were fined at Folkestone Magistrate’s Court last Friday (November 8).

A FHDC spokesperson said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy open spaces in the district and to walk in our streets without fear of treading in dog fouling.

“You can dispose of the waste in a dog or litter bin. If one isn’t available, take it home and dispose of it there.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy open spaces in the district and to walk in our streets without fear of treading in dog fouling.

“We encourage residents, visitors and those who work in the district to take a zero-tolerance approach to dog fouling.”

FHDC also encourages those who witness irresponsible dog walkers to report them on the council's website.

Dover was revealed as the dog poo capital of Kent, being branded a “dump” by concerned residents who claimed its parks were littered with muck.

A KentOnline investigation last year revealed that local authorities across the county had received 2,575 reports of uncleaned mess from locals since 2020.

Yet just 1% of incidents had resulted in owners being fined, as council bosses said it was a difficult issue to crack down on.

Previously, a woman was handed a huge bill after failing to clear up much during a trip to a popular beach.

Yvonne Wakefield was caught walking away from the dog mess at The Warren in Folkestone and now has to pay more than £800 because of the incident.