DOG owners are being invited to attend a special information morning at Flood Meadows on Saturday ahead of plans to “get tough” with people who fail to control or pick up after their animals when walking them on Alton Town Council-owned land.

To be run by the newly-formed Flood Meadows Steering Group, the intention is to provide dog walkers with up-to-date information on proper dog management, ahead of implementing measures to tighten up on dog walkers who are breaking the law.

Following a consultation on the Flood Meadows earlier this year, the town council’s open spaces committee has set up the steering group to assist in preparing an updated management plan for the area. Based on feedback received, and with support from the East Hampshire District Council’s (EHDC) animal welfare officer, the group prioritised consideration of dog management on the meadow.

Matthew Bayliss, chairman of the open spaces committee, said: “Most dog walkers are extremely considerate, but it is clear from the many comments the council has received that management of dogs on Flood Meadows and, in particular, dog fouling, continues to be a cause for significant concern.

“There are a number of measures that can be taken to educate and inform dog owners to ensure everyone practices good dog management, including leaving the area free from doggy waste. Public open spaces across Alton are subject to enforcement by EHDC environmental officers and this does include issuing fines.”

Mr Bayliss added: “To make sure people do not fall foul of the rules and risk a fine, the information morning will remind pet owners of the dos and don’ts and to correct misinformation.”