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The authority wants to remind irresponsible dog owners that they can face a fine of up to £1,000.

Cllr Julian Gutteridge, Portfolio Holder for Health and Environment, said:

“While we realise the majority of dog owners are responsible and clean up after their pets, there is a minority who do not.

“We want to remind these people this behaviour is not acceptable and we will take all the required steps to make sure appropriate action will be taken against offenders where possible.

“We have a process where people can report dog fouling online and I would ask anyone who sees a dog owner not cleaning up their mess to do so.’’

Residents are encouraged to report dog fouling through the Council's website.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has an animal warden who promotes responsible dog ownership. They can issue fixed penalty dog fouling notices to dog owners who allow their dogs to foul public land.

Owners must clear up after their dogs on all land to which the public have access. Failure to clear up after your dog can result in a £100 fixed penalty notice.

If the fine is not paid, the case will be taken to court. When an offence is committed the individual in charge of the dog can be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £1,000.

When walking your dog, always carry a poop scoop or suitable receptacle to pick up your dog's faeces.

These can be put in a dog waste bin or taken home for disposal. If this is not possible, ensure it is wrapped and placed in an ordinary litter bin.

A Keep Britain Tidy spokesperson said:

“Dog mess is the most unacceptable and offensive type of litter on our streets, research tells us that dog fouling is the issue the public are most concerned about.

“Dog fouling is not only deeply unpleasant, but also dangerous, while rare, contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis, a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures.

“It’s no wonder dog fouling is such a problem, there are estimated to be more than eight million dogs producing more than 1,000 tonnes of mess every day in the United Kingdom alone.’’