Council bosses have admitted it has been “very difficult” to enforce dog fouling rules across the north and north-east.
A smattering of fines have been issued over the last four years – with gathering evidence a challenge for dog wardens.
They claim part of the problem is that members of the community are unwilling to directly blame each other.
Since 2016, just 41 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) have been issued by Aberdeen City Council for dog fouling. That has amounted to £980 worth of fines.
A council spokeswoman said that wardens need to catch dog owners “in the act” of failing to pick up their pet’s mess for action to be taken.
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She added: “We would always encourage people to properly dispose of their dog waste in a bin as it is unsightly and unhygienic, and to take their rubbish home with them and dispose of it at home rather than leaving a mess beside a bin if a bin is full.”
In neighbouring Aberdeenshire, only 10 FPNs have been handed out over the last four years, resulting in £160 in profit.
A council spokesman said: “It can be very difficult to gather the necessary evidence, as people often don’t want to be a witness against someone in their local community.
“Add to that the fact that many of the complaints we receive are of a general nature, simply referring to a problem area rather than identifying an individual, it can be very difficult to identify and take action against individuals.
“Ultimately it is the responsibility of dog owners to ensure they clean up after their pets.”
Dog faeces can contain campylobacter, salmonella and other potentially harmful organisms, which contaminate wounds or broken skin, as well as causing other serious illnesses.
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However, Highland Council has taken touch action in recent years – after rolling dog fouling in with an exercise to tackle antisocial behaviour.
A total of 24 fines were issued amounting to £1,920.
A Highland Council spokesman said: “During patrols, officers will discuss fouling with any dog owners and if they catch someone offending they will issue a fixed penalty notice for the current fine of £80.
“If you see someone allowing their dog to foul and if you feel safe, politely but firmly encourage them to clear up after their dog.”
Nairn, Dingwall and Wick have been previous trouble spots.
In Moray, £800 worth of fines for dog fouling were issued in the form of 18 FPNs.
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When it comes to the islands, Orkney Council admitted they had issued no fines at all.
Stornoway – where the council visited “problem areas” to erect signs as part of a 2016 campaign only four FPNs have been issued since 2016 – worth £320.
And in Shetland where only “a careless few” have been caught out, £40 has been taken in by issuing just five fines in the same period.
