Targeted patrols at a protected beauty spot have seen two people put before magistrates for failing to clear up after their pets.

Environmental rangers kept a close watch at North Denes dunes, in Great Yarmouth, following complaints that not all dog walkers were respecting the area.

Their efforts resulted in two people admitting to dog-fouling at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court last week.

In both cases, an environmental ranger had witnessed the offence.

Jenni McGuigan, of Prospect Cottages, London, failed to clean up after two dogs on January 30, this year. She was fined £50 and told to pay £100 costs plus a £20 victim surcharge.

Jeffrey White, of The Close, Hemsby, allowed his dog to foul on February 10. He was given a six-month conditional discharge, and told to pay £100 costs plus a £15 victim surcharge.

Environmental ranger Kerry Hemsworth, said: “Whether you are walking your dog in a bustling street or in a tranquil wildlife haven, there is absolutely no excuse not to pick up your dog’s waste, bag it and bin it – either in a public litter bin, dog waste bin, or at home.

“Dog mess not only looks unsightly, but carries the risk of blindness through toxocariasis, which is why the borough council takes a particularly proactive approach to target that minority of dog-owners who let the rest down. All dog-fouling has consequences – both for the environment and potentially for the offenders.

“These prosecutions further demonstrate the importance of public tip-offs in tackling dog-fouling and we continue to appeal for public intelligence to help target the right areas and individuals.”

The borough council has one of the best records in Norfolk for enforcement on dog-fouling, having taken formal action for dog-fouling on 73 occasions since 2010.

The whole borough is covered by the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, meaning those who fail to clear up can incur a fine of up to £1,000 in the courts.

Anyone who witnesses an environmental crime in the borough or has information that may help to identify an offender should contact the rangers.

The quickest way to report is to download the Report IT GY App, or call 01493 846478.

What they need is as much information as possible, such as the date, time, location, description of the person and dog, and the vehicle registration number, if applicable.