Almost 40% of fines for dog fouling issued in the last five years in Perth and Kinross have gone unpaid, it has been revealed.
And new figures show a tiny 2.6% of complaints made to dog wardens in the region have resulted in irresponsible owners being fined.
Since 2010, the local council has received 2,605 complaints about the issue but dished out just 69 penalties.
However, 38% of fines have gone unpaid, resulting in more than £1,000 failing to make its way into council coffers.
Council dog wardens can issue offenders with a fixed penalty of £40, rising to £60 if not paid within 28 days.
Local MSP Murdo Fraser has questioned the effectiveness of the system where the burden of proof is so high that fines are rarely distributed.
He said: “To have so many complaints to dog wardens yet so few penalty notices would indicate that the current system is not working as well as perhaps it could.
“Fife Council has turned to using thermal cameras to try and catch dog owners who don’t pick up after their animals, and this technology could prove useful in other areas.
“Cheap disposable DNA testing kits could be the key to improving the responsibility of dog owners.
“Furthermore, Perth and Kinross Council must crack down on those who are refusing to pay penalty notices, as to have 38% refuse to cough up is rendering the process useless.”
Mr Fraser added: “Irresponsible dog owners and dog fouling are two issues that almost every community throughout Perth and Kinross would cite as a problem and it is high time that the issue is cleaned up.”
Perth city centre councillor Heather Stewart said dog fouling was a particular problem in her ward, with Rhynd Road being a hotspot.
She said: “This issue has been brought to my attention by concerned local residents who have seen a huge increase in the problem.
“There must be an element of responsibility here as this problem has an effect on the whole area.”