More needs to be done to clamp down on irresponsible dog owners who allow their animals to foul footpaths and parks, according to an Adel and Wharfedale councillor.

Tory Barry Anderson is concerned that Leeds City Council is still not doing enough in the fight against dog fouling.

His comments come at a time when new legislation has seen fixed penalty notices for dogs not on leads increasing from none in 2010/2011 to 78 in 2011/12.

In the same period total fixed penalty notices issued for dog fouling dropped from 56 to 39.

Coun Anderson said: “I welcome the Council’s efforts to clamp down on irresponsible dog owners. I do, however, feel that more can be done.

“The majority of dog walking takes place early morning, evening, and weekends, and officers need to target these core times.”