Community wardens in Moray have been going undercover to get tough on dog fouling.
During the past month the officers have been carrying out plain clothes patrols to clamp down on the unsightly mess.
Most pet owners were found to be acting responsibly with only one £80 fine issued.
Community safety officer Willie Findlay said: “Many of the complaints we get are anonymous, however the word of one witness is sufficient to allow a fixed penalty notice to be issued and I don’t think this is widely known by the public.
“Operation Typhoon will be continuing in the weeks ahead and we will support community to combat specific issues they have with dog fouling.”
During the patrols, the teams saw 23 dog owners, with only one not cleaning up after their pets.
Council staff have received 164 complaints about dog fouling during the past year with 12 fines issued. The total represented the biggest anti-social behaviour issue dealt with by the local authority.
Community warden Tim Betts said: “We are aware there are those who still do not pick up behind them and Operation Typhoon will continue to target those areas where this is occurring at all times of day.”
Dog fouling complaints can be reported online on Moray Council’s website.
