The fine is being introduced by Daventry council in Northamptonshire. It is believed to be the first local authority in Britain to try the pre-emptive measure.
The penalties will be enforced regardless of whether the offender's animal makes a mess in public
Daventry, a Conservative-controlled council, said there had been overwhelming support for the measure.
'I sometimes wish the dog would clear up its own mess'
Under a Public Space Protection Order approved by the council last week, enforcement officers can ask owners to show they can clean up after their pet, warning them of a £100 fine and potential prosecution.
Officers would not have to show that an animal had fouled, only that its owner did not have a bag or other way of cleaning up mess. Offenders who fail to pay within seven days could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
The plan was put out to public consultation earlier this year and will come into force on December 1. Officers will not enforce the fines until January and the council said walkers would be offered advice and warnings until then.
Daventry councillor Mike Warren said owners would be advised to carry extra bags to ensure they would not be caught without one if they had already cleaned up once during a walk.
He added: 'These new powers are not intended to penalise the many responsible dog owners in our district, who should be assured that our officers will be taking a common sense approach on their patrols. It's not unreasonable though, for example, to expect someone who has just arrived at a venue to walk their dog to be carrying poop bags.'
The penalties will be enforced regardless of whether the offender's animal makes a mess in public
Daventry, a Conservative-controlled council, said there had been overwhelming support for the measure.
'I sometimes wish the dog would clear up its own mess'
Under a Public Space Protection Order approved by the council last week, enforcement officers can ask owners to show they can clean up after their pet, warning them of a £100 fine and potential prosecution.
Officers would not have to show that an animal had fouled, only that its owner did not have a bag or other way of cleaning up mess. Offenders who fail to pay within seven days could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
The plan was put out to public consultation earlier this year and will come into force on December 1. Officers will not enforce the fines until January and the council said walkers would be offered advice and warnings until then.
Daventry councillor Mike Warren said owners would be advised to carry extra bags to ensure they would not be caught without one if they had already cleaned up once during a walk.
He added: 'These new powers are not intended to penalise the many responsible dog owners in our district, who should be assured that our officers will be taking a common sense approach on their patrols. It's not unreasonable though, for example, to expect someone who has just arrived at a venue to walk their dog to be carrying poop bags.'
Now you know - Smiles
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