DESPITE over 2,500 complaints being made to Scottish Borders Council about dog fouling not a single offender has been taken to court.

And during a four year period, up to the start of last year, only 68 of the 236 spot fines that were issued have been paid.

In 2013, the latest figures available, 73 fines were issued by the council or police for dog fouling. Only 12 have been paid with 36 remaining outstanding, and the rest contested.

In 2010, only 10 per cent of fines issued were actually paid.

Local MSP John Lamont is calling on the local authority to start getting tough.

"Dog fouling remains one of the most common causes of complaint among residents. Looking at these figures it is hardly surprising that some people think they can get away with not cleaning up after their pets."