City of York Council is calling on residents to give dog fouling the red card with a hard hitting campaign to cut down on dog mess.

The authority's Neighbourhood Services team is cracking down on irresponsible dog owners who fail to clear up after their dog in a bid to continue to clean up the city's streets. Owners who fail to do so face prosecution or the issue of a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice.

Liz Levett, manager of the council's Street Environment team, said: "Dog fouling is not only unsightly, but it also poses a real risk to health. Dog mess can cause blindness in humans and it's much easier that people may think to get some on your hands or face. It's a particular problem for young children or sports players who play in open spaces.

"We know that the majority of dog owners are responsible and do clean up their pooch's poo, but we will fine and, in extreme case, prosecute, those who refuse to take responsibility for their pets. Failing to clear up after one's dog is not difficult and our streets in York hare a high standard of cleanliness, but there are areas where owners are not as diligent."

Responsible dog owners should:
- Encourage their dog to 'go' in their garden if they have one. You can then bury the mess or alternatively clean it up and bin it.
- Always carry the means to clear up after your dog when out walking. A simple plastic bag will do the trick or obtain poop scoops from a local pet shop or the council
- Remember to take a bag or poop-scoop like you'd remember a lead
- "Bag it and bin it" every time your dog fouls. Take the poop scoop home and dispose of it there or use a bin if available. Remember rain does not wash the problem away
- Never let their dog out alone to 'go to the loo'

Officers will concentrate on key 'hotspots':
- Woodlea Avenue / Woodlea Fishponds Nature Reserve
- Rawcliffe Recreational Ground (St Marks)
- Rawcliffe Lake and surrounding areas (snickets etc)
- Crichton Avenue / Burton Stone Lane
- St Helens Road
- Gale Lane

Anyone wanting to report dog fouling should contact the council's York Pride Action Line on 01904 551551 or email streetenvironment.campaigns@york.gov.uk, or write to Liz Levett, Street Environment, Eco Depot, Hazel Court, York, YO10 3DS