A CRACKDOWN on irresponsible dog owners is under way in Kirklees.
Fines of up to £1,000 can be imposed on dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets.
Dog fouling is increasing in Kirklees and has been identified as a particular problem in cemeteries.
Almondbury is one of 13 Kirklees cemeteries to display the new signs warning of £50 on-the-spot fines that dog wardens may issue if owners fail to clean up dog dirt.
However in cases that go to court, the owner, or person responsible for the dog, may face a fine of up to £1,000.
Stray dogs found in cemetery grounds will be detained. If not claimed or expenses not paid within seven days, dogs will either be found new homes or destroyed.
Clr Denham said the problem was being caused by the minority of dog owners, but was still a major concern.
"Most dog owners are responsible and if they do exercise their dogs in a cemetery, they respect these grounds, keeping animals on a lead and taking away any waste.
"However, we collect about 600 stray dogs each year and many of these are found roaming around cemetery grounds.
"Letting your dog roam around cemeteries and, in particular letting them foul the grounds on and around graves is irresponsible and thoughtless," said Clr Denham.
Laws to restrain dogs in cemeteries has been in force since the early 1990s but so far few penalities have been imposed.
The new trend has pushed enforcement of the order up the agenda.
John Stead, the senior animal welfare officer for Kirklees, said that over the years there had been few serious complaints about cemeteries.
Until now, including cemeteries on regular patrols was thought to be sufficient.
However there had recently been an increase in complaints from the public regarding cemeteries, and a significant increase in reports of roaming dogs.
Said Mr Stead: "These complaints fall into my department's responsibility and these 13 new signs across our cemeteries are accompanied with a change in our approach.
"The public have been warned."
