BRADFORD Council says punishments for dog fouling are 'difficult' to enforce after figures showed less than three per cent of reported incidents resulted in a fine.

Pet insurance company Petplan asked 101 councils around the UK about how many complaints they had received about dog fouling in 2021, and 70 replied with comparable data.

Councils are able to fine people up to £1,000 for dog fouling.

Research revealed there were 263 dog fouling incidents reported in Bradford in 2021 - but only seven people were given a fine.

The Council says they are doing all they can to "crack down on this filthy crime".

A spokesperson said: “Dog fouling can be difficult to enforce but where we have sufficient evidence, the Council takes action against irresponsible dog owners for not cleaning up after their animals.

“Fixed penalty notices are issued and if they’re not paid, we take offenders to court. 

“To secure a conviction witnesses need to be able to identify offenders and be willing to give evidence at a hearing. 

“Unfortunately, the vast majority of reports don’t identify owners and witnesses are often unwilling to provide statements or attend court. 

“However, we will continue to do everything we can to crack down on this filthy crime. 

“This includes patrolling hotspots, educating owners, warning suspects, and prosecuting offenders when we have sufficient evidence.”

According to the data, between 2020 and 2021, there was a nationwide 8.3 per cent rise in dog fouling incidents. 

While it’s not a pleasant task, picking up your dog’s poo is an important part of being a responsible dog owner and is legally required.

Dogs in the UK produce over 3,000 tonnes of poo every day, and when left on the ground, dog poo can pose serious hazards to the environment, wildlife, and humans.

On the dangers of dog fouling, John Read, founder of the anti-littering campaign Clean Up Britain, said: "Dog faeces contain toxins and things that are not good for humans, particularly babies and young children.

"From that point of view, dog fouling is a danger and an environmental hygiene issue – and it's also an issue of nobody wanting to step in that dog mess.

"Councils have the ability to fine people up to £1,000 for dog fouling, and they should use that as often as they can to penalise dog owners who are not doing the right thing in clearing up their dog’s mess."