The city council is increasing the number of staff watching out for owners who do not clear up after their dogs in public areas including pavements, parks and cemeteries.

Owners can be given a fixed penalty fine of £50.

If offenders refuse to pay they could face a court appearance and a fine of up to £1,000.

Cause blindness

Twelve tonnes of dog dirt is produced in Leeds every day and much of it is left in places where children play.

Contact with dog dirt can lead to blindness through an infection known as toxocariasis.

By law, dog walkers must clear up after their pets in public places by either taking the waste home or using the bins in parks across Leeds.

Councillor Gerry Harper said: "Some irresponsible dog owners still allow their dogs to foul in pavements, parks and verges.

"It's not just unpleasant but unhealthy too.

"We want to warn people that we are devoting more resources than ever to tackling this problem and punishing those responsible."