DOG owners are being urged to pick up after their pets following an increase in fouling.
Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) is reminding the public that dog mess is a danger to public health and owners must dispose of it.
Councillor James Friend, cabinet member for the environment, said: "Dog fouling is not just anti social behaviour, it endangers the health of the most vulnerable in Mole Valley; particularly our youngest and oldest residents.
"The vast majority of dog owners are entirely responsible, and make sure that they either take their dog's waste home with them or use our red dog litter collection bins that are sited on many busy footpaths and in our parks.
"I would really like all residents to join us in helping to protect the environment and character of Mole Valley by encouraging everyone to act with responsibility."
MVDC claims there has been a "50 per cent rise" in the number of reported incidents of dog fouling in the district compared with 2011, although the council has provided no exact figures despite repeated requests by the Advertiser over the last two weeks.
A council spokeswoman said: "It is an offence for owners to allow their dog to foul on public land and they could be given a £1,000 fine.
"Dog owners are entirely responsible for clearing up after their animal and should always have plastic bags, nappy sacks or other 'poop scoop' solutions with them, and be prepared to pick up and dispose of their dog's waste."
The council is running a publicity campaign with the message: "Bag it, tie it and bin it."
Speaking about dog mess being left in public places, dog walker Sarah Slade, from Dorking, said: "It is highly annoying, and quite a lot of the established dog walkers will pick up after other people.
"We just think it needs to be dealt with. We don't all want to be tarred with the same brush.
"Most of us walk around with bags in our pockets, but there will always be certain people that will never clean up after their dogs.
"When I have seen people with a dog I have given them a bag and said 'aren't you going to pick that up?'"
To report an incident of dog fouling, visit www.moleval ley.gov.uk or call 01306 885001 and ask for the environmental health department.
