"We've done the education and getting-the-message across phase...now is the time for enforcement and zero tolerance," said Len Wyse, Scottish Borders Council's executive member for environmental services.

On Thursday, he told colleagues that since April 30, the number of fixed penalty tickets issued to dog owners in the region had risen from two – handed out over the preceding five months – to 30.

Councillor Wyse was commending a progress report from technical services director Callum Hay on the War on Dog Fouling policy which the council approved last year.

In December, a new team of dedicated wardens began targeting specific areas identified as having a dog fouling problem, before extending its operations to cover all towns and villages.

From then until the end of April, the wardens worked a total of 2,714 hours and spoke and gave advice to 3,800 dog owners. They witnessed 3,000 people cleaning up after their dogs, gave out 8,000 information leaflets and issued 100,000 bio-degradable dog fouling bags.

"The first phase of our campaign was deliberately focused on publicity, intervention and advice, so no-one should by now be unaware of their obligations under the law," said Mr Hay.

"Despite a limited budget, it has been possible to develop posters, leaflets, bus advertising, press adverts and two radio campaigns. With the message now communicated, the emphasis is shifting to a harder mode with the focus on enforcement."

The report claimed there was evidence the campaign was having tangible results. Ad hoc street surveys in Hawick and Kelso showed 100% awareness of the campaign and 100% agreement it was proving effective.

"Despite these encouraging signs...concerted efforts will need to be sustained over several years to make significant improvement," concluded the report.

Mr Wyse added: "It is disappointing we are having to issue the penalty notices to a minority of irresponsible owners. I think it is important, however, to acknowledge the vast majority of owners who are responsible and comply with the law."