A dog owner has been fined £75 for failing to clean up after his pet at Pendine beach - even though he wasn't there.

The dog was seen wandering around the beach area by the council's environmental enforcement officers.

They then witnessed the dog fouling on the green area near the Museum of Speed. The dog had an ID tag and officers followed it back to its owner's property. A fixed penalty notice was then issued to the owner for the offence.

Failure to pay within 14 days could lead to prosecution in the magistrates court and a maximum fine of £1,000.

It follows a two-day awareness-raising event in the village earlier this month.

Officers spoke to approximately 180 dog owners and gave out goodie bags containing a dog toy, poop scoop bags and pouch to carry the bags, as well as information on the diseases dog faeces carry.

Carmarthenshire County Council is taking a firm stand against dog fouling in the county and enforcement officers carry out regular patrols across Carmarthenshire.

Executive board member for the environment, Clr. Haydn Jones, said: "Dog faeces left anywhere can be a serious health risk. The majority of residents take their responsibilities seriously but there is still a small minority who do not listen.

"Hopefully, this will act as a warning to others that this anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and those caught breaking the law will be prosecuted."

Officers also want to highlight the bad practice of dog owners who clear up after their dog and then leave it on rocks or under sand until their return.

Area environmental officer Michael Roberts said: "We witnessed two incidents of this on Sunday while the dog owners spent some time walking along the beach.

"The owners did eventually pick up the bags on their return, but during the time the bags were left on the beach, we noticed young children playing around the area where the bags had been left.

"This is potentially hazardous to young children and words of advice were given to both dog owners to refrain from undertaking this practice."

Anyone who sees someone allowing a dog to foul is asked to note what has happened as soon as possible. Include the time, date and location, a description of the dog and person in charge of the dog and then contact Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567.