Only 14 per cent of complaints made to the Isle of Wight Council over dog poo in public areas have resulted in a fine being issued, new figures reveal.

The council has told the County Press dog owners need to be witnessed not picking up after their pets for a fixed penalty notice (FPN) to be issued.

"This is clearly very difficult as we cannot be everywhere at once", a spokesperson said.

Between March 2022 and March 2024, the council received a total of 86 complaints about dog mess.

In 2022 to 2023, just seven fixed penalty notices were handed out, while there were five in 2023 to 2024.

Figures from Vitasure, obtained through a freedom of information request, show the number of dog poo bins on the Island has also reduced by 22, from 1,268 to 1,246.

Here's how to report dog fouling on the Isle of Wight

To report dog fouling on the Isle of Wight, head to FixMyStreet (islandroads.com).

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council told the County Press: "Dog mess is unpleasant, unhealthy and is a blight on our landscape and the council is doing all it can to crack down on irresponsible owners.

"The problem we have is that dog owners need to be witnessed not picking up after their pets for a fixed penalty notice to be issued. This is clearly very difficult as we cannot be everywhere at once.

"Our environment officers carry out regular patrols across the Island, and if dog owners are spotted not picking up after their pets, they will be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

“Anyone who does not immediately clean-up fouling by their dog is committing an offence and they could be fined £75, which is reduced to £50 if paid within ten days of the fine being issued. If the fine is not paid, a magistrates’ court can impose a fine of up to £1,000."