UNDERCOVER cameras could be installed to combat dog fouling as a North Yorkshire council battles what it calls an "epidemic" of the offence.

Hambleton District Council is considering installing secret cameras in "hot spots" in Easingwold, Thirsk, Leeming, Romanby, Osmotherley and Great Ayton, after new signs warning of the penalties for dog fouling were ripped down.

A council spokeswoman said letters on the subject sent to local residents, threatening legal action against dog owners who do not clean up after their pets, had "been ignored".

The council's deputy leader, Coun Arthur Barker, said: "Covert cameras are a drastic measure to take, but we believe it is the only way to gather up the offenders.

"People seem to think they are above the law when it comes to dog fouling."

He said fouling on the streets and on green spaces had got worse during the foot and mouth outbreak, when dog owners were restricted in where they could take their pets.

But the problem, he said, was getting "worse not better" in the months since the outbreak ended.

The number of on-the-spot fines issued in the last month has risen tenfold, with complaints from residents, and town and parish councils, running into their hundreds.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "This is a widespread problem across the district, but it is particularly acute in towns like Easingwold and Thirsk, where the complaints are growing in number.

"It has been described by the council as an epidemic, sweeping across Hambleton.

"There is no firm timescale for the introduction of covert cameras at present, but the option of doing so is being seriously discussed by members."

Coun Barker added: "Dog mess is dangerous and unhygienic, especially when young children are concerned.

"Clearing up the mess is a quick and easy job, and one we implore people to do."

Anyone caught not clearing up after their dog is liable to a £25 spot fine. If left unpaid, prosecution through the courts can increase that to £1,000. Any successful prosecution also leads to an automatic criminal conviction.

Updated: 08:53 Thursday, March 14, 2002