Rubbish patrol out to clean up Madrid

MADRID - Madrid town hall is to deploy a 300-strong brigade to patrol the streets and slap draconian fines on those who search dustbins for food, urinate against trees, toss cigarette ends into the gutter or sprinkle the pavements when watering pot plants on their balconies.

Under a controversial regulation residents will be fined up to 750 ($1900) if their rubbish isn't properly sorted for recycling.

Leaving your dog's mess unscooped or urinating against a tree could set you back 1500.

The most controversial regulation targets poor people who search through rubbish bins for food. They risk being fined 750 if caught.

- INDEPENDENT