Nearly 20 fixed penalty notices have been issued by City of York Council dog wardens to owners who don't clear up after their canines.

The number of complaints about dog dirt rose from 233 in 2006/07 to 329 in 2008/09. In response, City of York Council has awarded its dog wardens new powers and has stepped up patrols to challenge people not cleaning up after their dogs.

Dirty dog walkers caught by wardens are now offered the chance to pay a £50 fixed penalty notice as an alternative to being prosecuted through the courts where there is a maximum £1,000 fine.

So far, 19 dog foulers have been challenged, with most tickets being issued on the Knavesmire and Victoria Stray, since these new measures came in on 1 December 2008. Two penalties have yet to pay the £50 fixed penalty, and legal action is being considered.

Trading Standards manager at City of York Council, Matt Boxall said: "Previously we used to prosecute just one or two people a year. Thanks to residents' tip-offs which help us to identify the 'hot spot areas', and the dedication of our officers, we are picking up more and more offenders.

"As part of our commitment to creating a healthy city, we're taking a hard line here. So far we've had good feedback on these measures - even from the offenders themselves.

"We're sending out a clear message that fouling won't be tolerated: it's unsightly, unpleasant and dangerous to health."

Anyone wishing to report owners who fail to clean up after their dog should call Trading Standards on 01904 551530.