PLAINCLOTHED PATROLLERS are the newest attempt in West Yorkshire to target dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets.

The dog warden service in Wakefield is swapping its uniform for undercover clothes and unmarked vans in dog fouling hotspots across the district.

Anyone who does not pick up after their dog will get a £50 fixed penalty. If it is not paid within two weeks they face a court appearance and £1,000 fine. It is illegal to allow your dog to foul any footpath without cleaning it up.

Dog warden Paul Conrad said: "A lot of people carry bags and pick up after their dogs when they see us in our uniform. "But we know that even though many dog owners carry bags and poop scoops, some don't bother cleaning up if we are around."