The north-east’s councils have been accused of making dog fouling fines optional, with more than 80% of those handed out going unpaid.
Opposition councillors say a lack of enforcement means it is just “a matter of choice” if dog owners actually pay the penalties.
Aberdeen City Council last passed an unpaid fouling fine to its legal team in December 2015.
But its counterpart in Aberdeenshire appears to have stopped handing them out altogether.
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It has not issued a single fine since July 2016.
Over the last four years, 69 city dog owners were hit with either a £40 or £80 fine for failing to clean up after their pets, with £920 of the £3,960 total £3,960 recouped.
But none of the 10 handed out in Aberdeenshire over the same period have been paid.
Both local authorities have blamed difficulties in catching rule-breakers in the act and gathering the necessary evidence to issue a fine.
A city council spokeswoman said: “Both environmental health dog wardens and city wardens regularly carry out targeted patrols for dog fouling in areas that are known ‘hot spots’ at varying times of the day, which help to act as a deterrent.”
She added: “In recent years legal action has not been taken but remains an option where appropriate.”
Dave Cooper, Aberdeenshire Council’s environmental health manager, said: “We issue notices whenever possible but it’s rare an officer actually catches the culprit at the time of the offence.
“The small value of the fine also means it is relatively costly to pursue, as Aberdeenshire Council refers unpaid notices to Sheriff Officers.”
But Liberal Democrat councillor for Hazlehead, Martin Greig, said the lack of enforcement is making “a mockery” of the rules.
“The enforcement personnel do their best to patrol and identify wrongdoers but they need the back up from the council,” he said.
“The penalties have to be processed and the offenders have to be forced to pay up.
“If the fines seem to be a matter of choice no-one will trust the messages and warnings.”
SNP councillor John Cooke added:: “Dog fouling is a blight across our city and something which I’ve received a number of complaints about locally.
“I’m sure my constituents – including those responsible dog-owners who do clear up after their pets – would welcome tougher enforcement in an attempt to combat the issue.”
