A campaign is being launched today by the council against dogowners who can't be bothered to "scoop the poop".

Hertsmere Borough Council is working with the environmental charity Keep BritainTidy to roll out this national campaign.

It is aimed at the one out of ten dog owners who leave dog mess on the streets.

The campaign follows a successful social experiment carried out by the charity, which nearly halved the amount of dog fouling in monitored areas.

Councillor Jean Heywood, environment portfolio holder, has two dogs and said: "Dog mess is an emotive issue that can affect everyone and it’s a problem on pavements and in parks that all councils face.

"We know the majority of dog owners are responsible and like me wouldn’t dream of leaving it on the ground so it’s a real shame that a few dog walkers are spoiling our streets and award-winning parks by not picking up after their pet."

The amount of dog poo left on the streets and in parks increases at night and during the winter months.

Therefore the campaign will feature posters with glow in the dark pair of eyes and the message 'we're watching you'.

Similar posters were successful in pilot areas.

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Phil Barton said: "Our research tells us that people see dog fouling as by far, the most unacceptable and dirtiest type of litter.

"This campaign has proven to make a difference and encourage the minority of dog ownwers who don't pick up after their pets to do the right thing."

There will also be normal posters and stickers put up across the borough and PCSOs will be on dog watch to help sniff out the culprits.

Special dog poo patrols will take place in Bushey on Friday from 9am to 11am as part of the campaign.

This will include the hotspot areas of King George Recreation Ground, The Moatfield and the field off The Avenue and Grange Road.

Councillor Heywood added: "We're confident this new campaign will fo some way to help reduce dog mess across the borough.

"At the end of the day it isn't difficult to bag your dog's poo."

Dog owners can be fined up to £75 for not clearing up after their dog and for allowing them to enter exclusion zones such as play areas, sport pitches and tennis courts.