More dog owners are being fined over their pets fouling in Sandwell, new figures reveal.

There have been nine times as many fines in the past three months as in the same period last year – 36 since April 1 compared with just four in the same period in 2010. West Bromwich had the most fines.

In the past three months it notched up a total of 14, which were issued in parks and streets. Seven were handed out in Tipton; four each for Oldbury, Rowley Regis and Smethwick; and three in Wednesbury.

Fines are £75 but reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days.

This means Sandwell Council would have received between £1,800 and £2,700 during this period.

All wardens issue fines for dog fouling but the authority has recently given one the specific task of targeting early morning walkers who do not clean up their dog’s mess.

Councillor Derek Rowley, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “Dog fouling is a big concern for Sandwell residents, who keep asking us to do more about it.

“Wardens have stepped up their action and I welcome this dramatic increase in fines.

“People need to know that we can and do fine people for not cleaning up dog mess.”

He added: “This has nothing to do with making money at all, this is all about responding to local people’s concerns.

“People are worried about the serious health risks dog mess poses, especially to children, and the fact it’s a nuisance and makes the area look bad. The small amount of money we do collect helps towards the costs of the service.”

Meanwhile dog mess is also on the increase in Queslett Nature Reserve in Great Barr, which is managed by Birmingham City Council.

Keith Linnecor, chairman of the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve, has urged dog walkers to clean up any mess left.