IT is often said that we are a proud nation of dog lovers, so why is it that very few actually clean up after their pooch?

Many more just bag up the mess and either throw it to one side or hang it on a tree like a smelly Christmas decoration.

Our streets, parks, grass, high streets and beaches are littered with the disease-riddled by-product of dogs.

We have a 60 on-the-spot fines for dropping litter and cigarettes, which are well enforced, but you seldom see anyone prosecuted for not cleaning up after a dog.

A mandatory dog licence and taxation on dog products should help pay for more dog wardens to catch these offenders.

Matthew Hopkins, Redcar.