West Dunbartonshire Council has employed five new officers in a bid to crack down on dog fouling.

They will work with the communities team, and will have the authority to issue fines to anyone who doesn't pick up after their pooch.

The new appointments brings the number of dog fouling officers who can dish out fines in the area to 11.

They will also investigate complaints from residents about dog fouling.

If owners don't clean up after their pet, then they are breaking the law and could face an £80 fixed penalty, rising to £100 if not paid within 28 days.

Read more: Dog fouling sparks anger in Silverton, Dumbarton

Councillor Diane Docherty, convener of housing and communities, said: “We want our communities to be the best they can be and this requires dog owners to do the right thing and pick up after their dogs, and for the most part, that’s what people do.

“Unfortunately a small minority give dog owners a bad name, and we are still seeing problems with dog fouling in certain areas.”

Councillor Iain McLaren, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development added: “It is extremely unfair that some irresponsible owners dodge their responsibilities when it comes to their pet.

“We already offer free poo bags at a number of locations, which has definitely encouraged their use. But the increased presence of officers who can fine these individuals will hopefully deter the few who repeatedly leave the mess behind.

“We would like to get to a stage where no fines are issued for dog fouling at all because every resident is proud of their community and is doing the right thing and picking up the mess.”

Dog fouling is consistently raised by West Dunbartonshire residents as an area of concern.

In May last year, a Silverton resident blasted "selfish" dog owners who she claimed were failing to pick up their dogs' mess around the area.

According to the furious resident, who did not wish to be named, she and other neighbours are fed up of needing to clear dog poo out of their gardens.

To assist dog owners to clear away their dog mess, free biodegradable poop scoop bags are available free of charge at locations across the area.

They can be picked up at: Asda, St James' Retail Park; Glenbrae Vets Practice, Station Road; Council Offices, 16 Church Street; Admin Office, Elm Road, Broadmeadow Industrial Estate; Dumbarton Library, Strathleven Place; All Dumbarton CE Centres; Dumbarton Police Office Stirling Road; all Vale of Leven Area Libraries; all Vale of Leven Area CE Centres; Alexandria Police Office, Hill Street; Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway; Ladyton Pharmacy; Lomond Woods Holiday Park; McKenzie Vets Practice, Gilmour Street; National Park HQ, Carrochan Road; One Stop Shop, Mitchell Way; Social Work Office, Bridge Street and the Tourist Information Centre, Balloch.