DOG owners across the Burnham area are being warned to control their pets as police crack down on dangerous dogs after a string of fines.

The news comes after an alsatian owner from Highbridge was ordered to pay £300 compensation to a woman bitten on her leg.

The owner pleaded guilty at Sedgemoor Magistrates' Court for allowing his dog to be dangerous in a public place and also received a £100 fine.

PC Tracey Stiles said: "The owner was ordered by the court to keep the dog muzzled and on a lead while in public.

"If this does not happen the dog could be destroyed."

Another alsatian owner from Burnham was also in court for breaching a previous court order in relation to his animal.

He was fined £400 and £35 court costs by Sedgemoor magistrates for having a dog in contravention of the order imposed by East Hertfordshire magistrates last year.

PC Stiles said: "It's important dog owners are responsible for their pets or else they could be fined.

"This includes fouling areas and being on a lead when they need to be."