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A dog poo epidemic is plaguing parks and pavements across the district – but just three offenders were fined in the whole of last year.

Owners failing to pick up after their dogs are the curse of those who dodge the mess on a daily basis – and more so those unlucky enough to step in it.

But despite the issue having long blighted the streets of Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay, new figures reveal little action is being taken to punish those responsible.

A measly three on-the-spot £80 fines were dished out last year – and one of those remains unpaid – while just four more were issued in 2015.

The numbers have stunned Canterbury Society chairman Jan Pahl.

She said: “I’m very surprised because there are a lot of dogs in the area and I see a lot of poo, which is completely unacceptable.

“It’s obviously difficult to catch people not picking up after their dog, and enforcement is not strong enough in the city.

“Raising the number of penalties should help reduce the amount of dog fouling in Canterbury.

“We live in a wonderful and beautiful city and want to keep it that way.”

Mum-of-two Ruth French was so appalled by the dog fouling problem near her son’s school that she launched a poster competition to shame offenders.

Six pupils at Wincheap primary have now designed notices to put up in streets around the school in the hope they deter irresponsible owners.

Mrs French said: “I know the council has bigger priorities, but it’s something that owners should take responsibility for. If you have a dog then you should clean up after it.

“I think if anyone sees a dog owner not picking up after their dog, then they should report it to the council so they can come and clean it up.”

City council spokesman Rob Davies blames the low number of fines on the fact offenders have to be caught red-handed.

He said: “It might sound straightforward, but in practice it is very difficult to spot it, which is reflected in the number of fines given out.

“We do carry out dedicated dog fouling enforcement operations, but as you would expect, when they see us out and about, people are on their best behaviour and do the right thing.”

Mr Davies says the authority is committed to tackling the issue and is currently recruiting 11 new enforcement officers, who will target environmental offences such as littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling.

He said: “We believe a more robust approach to this work is supported by residents.

“All of our dog orders are being reviewed and new conditions will be laid down in public space protection orders in early summer.”