Complaints about dog owners allowing their pets to poo on the pavement are set to hit new highs this year.

Complaints about dog owners allowing their pets to poo on the pavement are set to hit new highs this year.

Figures released by East Cambridgeshire District Council show the number of incidents reported in the past nine months is already more than at any equivalent point in the last five years – and is still rising.

The council has received 86 complaints compared to 79 this time last year and 65 the year before.

In 2009/10, reports of dog ­fouling averaged about five a month but, by last year, that figure had doubled to more than 10.

As reported in the Ely Standard, in Little Downham, a self-styled “dog poo vigilante” has threatened ­careless owners with retribution after a spate of incidents.

And, earlier this month, Ely ­resident Kate Holmes contacted us after getting fed-up with the fouling on the pavement.

She said: “I live just off Stour Green and have noticed a dramatic increase in mess being left on the green and pavements.

“Near my front door we’ve had four instances where it’s been left in the last few weeks and I’ve had to clean it up.”

Owners can be fined £50 on the spot for failing to clean up after their dog.

The council said enforcement was ongoing and urged anyone who spotted an owner not clearing up after the pet to report the details to them.

On the ShapeYourPlace website the council said: “By reporting irresponsible dog owners to the council we can work together to try and stop this anti-social behaviour.”

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HALT THE DOG POO EPIDEMIC? Less us know what you think, write to Ely Standard, Alexander House, Fore Hill, Ely, CB7 4AF or e-mail editor@ely-standard.co.uk