A Clean Glasgow campaign designed to force irresponsible dog owners to clean up their act has seen 637 fixed penalty notices issued in 12 months.
The anti dog fouling campaign has sparked huge public support and 85 Glasgow social landlords with tens of thousands of tenants have also given it their backing.
Enforcement officers from Glasgow Community & Safety Services continue to blitz local neighbourhoods to spot anyone creating a potential health hazard by failing to clean up after their dogs.
Latest figures show the initiative has prompted a 68% increase in calls to the Clean Glasgow hotline by people reporting culprits or identifying sites where there is a particular problem.
The city’s network of public CCTV cameras is also being used to identify people failing to clean up their dogs’ faeces. A total of 11,590 warning letters have also been sent to streets or closes where suspects live.
The blitz is now stepping up a gear with enforcement officers visiting neighbourhoods unannounced.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The initial part of the campaign was as much about education as enforcement. By telling people we were coming to their neighbourhood we aimed to change habits by making it clear that irresponsible behaviour was unacceptable and would not be tolerated.
“We are extremely pleased with the initial results and thrilled by the huge level of support from the general public who have been phoning in to report those flouting the law. There is also anecdotal evidence that those who have been fined have changed their ways and now pick up after their pets.
“However, anyone who thought they could revert to their filthy ways when we left their area can now think again. The crackdown continues and no one can afford to risk receiving a fine.”
The fines are £40 rising to £60 if unpaid within 28 days.
Please call Clean Glasgow on 0800 027 7027 to report dirty dog owners in your community.