Ged Rule is secretary and treasurer of Owston Ferry Sports Club, and he recently removed 18 piles of excrement from the football pitch, which is located close to a children's play area.

Mr Rule has raised the issue with Owston Ferry Parish Council, which in turn has contacted North Lincolnshire Council (NLC) for advice.

He said: "They are playing fields, not for dog walking. Referees won't start games if there is the slightest bit of dog mess on the pitch. A group of mums also raised a lot of money for this area's facilities and the sports club pays for the upkeep.

"People allow their dogs to foul all over the place. It shows a lack of respect and it's getting much worse."

There are health risks associated with the spread of diseases through human contact with animal faeces, and Mr Rule has urged dog owners to act more responsibly.

He added: "There are lots of places to walk dogs around the village and I don't understand why people don't always clean up after them."

Stephen Coulman, the NLC neighbourhood enforcement team manager, said the council had not received any specific complaints about dog fouling at the playing fields.

"It's very difficult for the authority. What we need is for people to tell us who is doing it and when it is happening," added Mr Coulman. "We have had none of this information and we can't act without it."

Council officers follow up information received and if offenders still refuse to clear up after their pets they can be hit with £80 fixed penalties.

Irresponsible dog owners can also be taken to court, which could result in a maximum £1,000 fine and a possible criminal record.

"Ninety-nine per cent of dog owners are responsible, it's that minority one per cent which doesn't clear up," Mr Coulman added. "It's a partnership arrangement between communities and ourselves. We stress to offenders that your community has reported you – individuals are not named – and most owners pay up out of embarrassment."

Anyone who wishes to report dog fouling should contact NLC on 01724 297000.