INCONSIDERATE dog owners are being targeted by a new drive to clean up the city's streets.

The "We're Watching You" campaign is being launched to raise awareness of problems caused when dog owners don't clean up after their pets.

It coincides with a decision by the city council to get rid of special dog waste bins and replace them with general waste bins - which council staff say will make disposing of dog waste easier for dog walkers.

Cllr Andrew Waller, City of York's executive member for the environment, said: “Dog fouling is a key environmental and health issue which residents want to see actively addressed. We need to work together on this issue. The vast majority of dog owners are responsible people who habitually pick up after their dog and dispose of the bags correctly, either in the nearest bin or by taking home to dispose of in their own household waste bin.”

The campaign sets its sights on irresponsible dog owners, with recent research showing that dog walkers are more responsible when they think they are being watched. The Keep Britain Tidy campaign’s pilot saw an average reduction of 46 per cent in the levels of dog fouling and feedback suggests that dog fouling tends to occur at night time as some dog owners feel that they can’t be seen under the cover of darkness.

Cllr David Carr, the executive member for safer neighbourhoods, said: “We are very pleased to be part of this hard-hitting and uncompromising campaign to tackle dog fouling which we’re reinforcing with regular patrols from our Community Safety Hub. With the new powers conferred on our officers, we hope to see the same successful results as other local authorities.”

"We’re Watching You" has a series of signs are visible after dark and use materials that glow in the dark - including a luminous poster with a pair of sinister-looking eyes.

Specialist Community Safety Hub officers at the council have been given additional powers, and can ask for Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to control where and when dogs can be taken.

Fixed penalty fines of £50 can be handed out for failing to clean up after dogs, and £100 for breaking a PSPO.

Anyone wanting to report irresponsible dog owners should get details like the owner’s address, a description of them and their dog, and times and locations where the dog is exercised and pass it in confidence to neo@york.gov.uk or (01904) 551555.