Around 1,000 people are expected to be fined this year for allowing their dogs to foul Liverpool's streets and open spaces.

Enforcement officers have been steadily increasing the number of fines they give to people who don't clear up their pet's mess - by popular demand. In the city's annual quality of life survey dog fouling has been repeatedly highlighted as a major concern.

The prosecutions are proving extremely popular with residents who want an end to K9 crime and the disgusting effects of trampling dog dirt into their homes or the dangers for children who come into contact with excrement in the city's parks and play areas.

As well as an education and advice campaign to prevent dog fouling, the council has increased the number of Fixed Penalty Notices it hands out from 160 in 2006/7 (Then more than any other authority) to 640 in 2008/9 and it expects to top 1,000 in 2009/10 setting a high benchmark for local authority fouling fines.

The increase in fines is partly due to a revamp of the council's enforcement teams, better use of intelligence and an increase in reporting from members of the public.

The prosecutions are proving extremely popular with residents who want an end to K9 crime and the disgusting effects of trampling dog dirt into their homes or the dangers of children who come into contact with excrement in parks and play areas.

Lib Dem Councillor Marilyn Fielding, Liverpool's executive member for Safer, Stronger Communities, said: "Dog fouling is a real blight on the city. It is dangerous for young children, unsightly and very unpleasant if you have the misfortune to step in it.

"Dog fouling is expensive to clean up and council tax payers should not be subsidising people who are too ignorant or too lazy to clear up their dog's mess. I'm a dog owner and dog lover - but I wouldn't dream of not clearing up after my dogs.

"We are looking to expand our dog fouling teams and target areas where members of the public have complained. So we want you to know that if you regularly let your dog off the lead and let it foul in public areas without clearing it up - we will prosecute you."

Councillor Berni Turner, Lib Dem executive member for the environment, said: "We've been directing our enforcement officers to some of the worst affected areas, resulting in action against offenders.  Local residents shouldn't have to put up with dog fouling, and we want all dog owners to act responsibly. If they don't, they can expect to get a minimum £50 fixed penalty. The council is determined to help improve the look of our city. So if, you let your dog poo - we could be watching you!"