Scarborough Council's senior warden, Graham Hibberd was joined on his patrols around the town by Coun Jon Plant, in a bid to combat the problem.

Coun Plant said: "I spent a lot of time last year working towards an improved dog warden service for Whitby and other parts of the borough and while patrolling with the warden I intend to identify the main dog fouling areas within the town which are of concern to local residents.

"These areas will then be the subject of targeted patrols by the dog wardens."

The recently appointed new team of Graham Hibberd and warden Helen Pennock, will shortly be joined by an additional seasonal dog control enforcement officer, who has been tasked with concentrating on the enforcement of dog fouling and dog control legislation such as dog bans and on lead requirements.

Anyone found not complying with the clean up requirement will face prosecution or a fixed penalty notice.

Graham Hibberd, SBC's senior dog warden added: "I am grateful to Coun Plant for his support in our work and for helping to identify problem areas. We accept that the vast majority of dog owners in the town are responsible and clean-up after their pets however there are a minority who do not and the council is committed to identifying and prosecuting these irresponsible dog owners.

"Dog fouling is unpleasant, unhygienic and anti-social. All dog walkers should carry bags with them at all times so they can pick up their dog's waste. Properly tied bags can be disposed of in either dog waste bins, litter bins or taken home and placed in the domestic waste bin. There really is no excuse not to comply with the law and pick it up."

The council has dealt with over 300 lost and stray dogs over the past 12 months; the majority of which are successfully reunited with their owners. Most of the dogs that are not reclaimed are re-homed, however unfortunately a small number have to be destroyed due to their age, health or temperament.

While enforcement is the initial priority area for the service, the wardens will also be promoting responsible dog ownership whenever possible.

The council would like to encourage the public to report irresponsible dog owners, particularly those who do not clean up dog mess.

This can be done confidentially via the Anti Social Behaviour reporting line on (01723) 384444.