It could soon cost dog owners £100 if they allow their animals to foul the city of York.
Dog fouling is currently enforced with a £75 on the spot fine. City of York Council is now proposing to raise that to £100 to reflect the health risks it poses.
The change is part of a range of proposals, previewed previously on YorkMix, to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
The proposals also means that when people are found urinating or defecating in public or on public land, they can be fined.
This could be instead of having to take them to court which is slower and more costly and can result in those pleading or found guilty of having a criminal record.
Councillor Michael Pavlovic, executive member for community safety at City of York Council, said: “We want to protect residents against such anti-social, unhealthy and frightening behaviours, in a way that’s proportionate, fair and effective and we need residents to please tell us is they agree or not with our proposals.
“Current byelaws mean we must take people found urinating or defecating to court. This is a slow, costly process which can result in those found guilty getting a criminal record.
“These proposals also address the increasing number of complaints we receive about dogs’ behaviour and about those in charge of them not keeping them under proper control. The proposal is for a new, £100 on the spot fine.”
Exemptions will be included for people who are registered blind or partially sighted, and for people in charge of a registered assistance dog.
Residents can comment on the new proposals here.