WITNESSES are being asked to turn in people who allow their dogs to foul in public paces without scooping up the mess.

Milverton Parish Council was reacting to reports of increased pooch poo left on pavements in the village by irresponsible owners.

In a statement, the authority says the "unpleasant but extremely anti-social" habit is on the rise due to dark nights and mornings.

It said: "Victims unwittingly step into the deposit and spread it up the street, where it gets trodden on by even more.

"The result is dirty shoes and buggy wheels with dog mess being carried into the shop, the school, the church and houses with a potential risk to public health.

"The parish council is therefore appealing for dog owners to be more responsible and clear up after them.

"Councillors would also like to ask people who witness such inconsiderate acts to report the time, location and if possible the identity of the person to the clerk (Gwilym Wren) so that the council in partnership with Taunton Deane can initiate prosecutions."