DOG owners dumping doo in Durham made it the UK’s worst place for mess.
They got more fines than any other local authority last year.
Parasites in dog poo can cause a serious infection called toxocariasis which can cause blindness.
The study for Channel 5 show Britain’s Dog Poo Scandal saw complaints rose 30 per cent.
It came as owner numbers soared from nine million to over 13million.
Some 271 councils out of 373 responded to an information request.
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And 55 authorities saw more than 300 complaints.
Durham, home to Dominic Cummings’ day trip destination, Barnard Castle, had 1,800 incidents of fouling.
A spokesman put the figures down to the size of the authority and owner numbers.
He said wardens conducted targeted patrols and handed out £100 penalty notices.
Vet Sean McCormack added: “Picking up poo is part of owning a dog.
“If you’re not prepared to do it then don’t own a dog.”
