Dog poo bags collected from a walkway in Porirua, north of Wellington, in 2017. (File photo)

An Aucklander is calling out "degenerate" dog owners who fail to pick up after their pets in public.

West Auckland resident Jamie Barnes said in a lengthy social media rant that he was especially tired of those that leave bags of poop tied to trees or a fence.

He had to dodge a "minefield of dog faeces" every time he went for his run on Exhibition Drive in Titirangi, he said.

LUKE KIRKEBY/ FAIRFAX NZ There's no point putting the poo in a bag if you don't put it in the bin. (File photo)

"I genuinely do not understand what would compel someone to be this much of a degenerate," he said.

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"Hanging bags of poop takes the most effort and it's also the one that has the worst impact – poop biodegrades, plastic doesn't."

Another resident, Amy Grimmer said it was like a Christmas present no one wanted hanging from a tree.

"They do that with the excuse that they will collect it on their way back - yet it hangs there for weeks and weeks."

Janelle O'Connell said stepping on other people's dog poo was a usual occurrence every time she walked her own dog.

"It's so frustrating."

According to the Dog Management Bylaws, pet owners who failed to immediately remove their dog's faeces from a public place and dispose of it adequately could be slapped with a $300 fine.

Auckland Council manager of animal management Sarah Anderson said 55 complaints were made against dog owners failing to pick up after their pets across the city in 2017, but only 13 infringement fines were issued.

Proving an offence was difficult, she said.

"It is helpful if people can provide the location of the dog, the date and time of the incident, a description of the dog and/or any details of the owner, including vehicle registration details."

If possible, taking a photo of the dog would help with investigations, she said.

Dog owners from Waiheke, Onehunga, Forest Hill, Manurewa, Henderson, Howick, One Tree Hill, Schnapper Rock and Goodwood Heights were issued with infringements in 2017, which included those that failed to pick up after their pets, Anderson said.

She said where possible, council would educate dog owners before giving a fine.

Barnes said those who failed to be responsible gave other dog owners a bad name.

"If you don't want to take responsibility for your dogs poop, then don't get a dog, or give your dog to someone that will."

He praised people who bagged their pet's faeces and took it with them, calling them "unsung heroes of society".

"I'm absolutely certain that this practice makes you just as awesome in other aspects of you life as it does with your dog-owning responsibilities."

Anyone who sees a dog owner not picking up after their dog could call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 to make a complaint.