Pet owners in Glasgow are facing a tough new crackdown as penalties for dog fouling double.

Glasgow City Council has announced that fixed penalty notices for dog owners who do not clean up after their pets will rise from £40 to £80 in April.

The local authority said that the increase will bring the dog fouling penalties into line with current fines for littering.

The penalties will be issued by Community Enforcement Officers to dog owners if they fail to clean up after their pets in a public place.

An annual household study carried out by the council earlier this year revealed that the number of people who think dog fouling is an issue in their area has increased by 19 per cent since 2008.

A recent Scottish Government consultation also showed that the majority of Scots support an increase in the fixed penalty fine.

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council, said: "One of the things that we regularly hear people complain about in their local area is dog fouling. It impacts on the standard of living in our communities and can pose a health risk, to children in particular.

"We know that the majority of dog owners are respectful of other people and pick up after their pets but we want to clamp down on the inconsiderate people that leave the dogs' dirt in communal areas, on the streets, in parks and in play areas.

"In addition to the enforcement action that we carry out we would urge anyone with information on people who let their dogs foul without cleaning it up to get in touch with the council."

Members of the public can report incidents through the MYGLASGOW App or by calling the council on 0300 343 7027.