DOG owners who let their animals foul the streets have been hit by £50 fines – one month after the launch of the Cleaner, Greener Oxford campaign.

On-the-spot notices have been given to people in Hollow Way Recreation Ground, Cowley, and Rose Hill’s Ashurst Way Recreation Ground in the past week.

A third owner is being investigated by police after refusing to give his details to an Oxford City Council warden.

The fines come two weeks after the Oxford Mail revealed only two owners had been given penalty notices in the past five years – and none since the campaign’s launch on November 2.

Bob Timbs, executive board member for parks, said the fines demonstrated the commitment to catching “anti-social” dog owners.

He said: “I think this is great news because it shows action is being taken. Previously, if people were spotted by wardens they would get a warning, which made little or no difference.

“But £50 is a lot of money and hopefully the anti-social dog owners will soon get the message if they are hit with these fines.”

Today marks one month of the campaign, backed by the Mail.

In that time, 119 fines have been imposed in the city centre for littering, with 90 per cent of people paying. The minimum penalty is £55, rising to £80 if not paid in 14 days.

John Tanner, council executive member for a cleaner, greener city, said: “It is really anti-social to get dog mess on your shoes or the wheels of a pushchair, so I am delighted we have caught these people.

“But I would rather see responsible dog owners clearing up after their animals, as opposed to being fined.”

Trish Stevens, of Horspath Road, lives yards from Hollow Way Recreation Ground. She said: “People around here have not been able to use the parks in recent times because it has been so disgusting.

“It now looks like the situation may be getting better, but people still need to take responsibility or we will be back at square one again.”