Undercover council wardens are being used in a bid to tackle the problem of dog fouling in Moray.

Patrols of plain-clothes wardens have been introduced by Moray Council to combat the seasonal increase in occurrences of dog fouling at this time of year.

Wardens are stepping up patrols in Elgin Cemetery, where dog owners have been seen allowing their dogs to roam around the cemetery grounds and foul on graves and headstones.

Rules for cemeteries and burial grounds state all dogs must be on a leash.

As in all other public places, it is an offence to allow a dog to foul and not clean up.

Community warden Donna Jamieson, said: "We have carried out a number of patrols since receiving complaints of dogs fouling graves and urinating on headstones.

"This is particularly distressing for those visiting the graves of loved ones.

"Most responsible dog walkers observe the signs and ensure their dogs are kept under control within the cemetery grounds but an inconsiderate minority need to be reminded that the cemetery is a place for reflection and remembrance, not a recreation area or a place to exercise dogs".

New warning signs have been installed at the entrances to the cemetery informing dog owners the fixed penalty fine for fouling offences is now £80.

Community safety wardens in plain clothes will be patrolling in known hotspot areas across Moray, with a zero-tolerance brief.

Those caught failing to remove and appropriately dispose of dog faeces will be issued with fixed penalty notices and an £80 fine.