FLINTSHIRE Council is urging dog owners to do the right thing and pick up after their pets as part of a new national campaign from Keep Wales Tidy.

Although an estimated nine out of ten dog owners pick up after their pets, dog fouling remains a persistent issue in communities across the country.

Keep Wales Tidy’s campaign aims to raise awareness of the health risks associated with dog fouling; not just for humans but also for livestock and other pets.

Dog waste that’s left behind can carry harmful bacteria which can remain in soil long after it has decomposed.

The nationwide campaign is being run as part of Caru Cymru (a Welsh phrase meaning ‘Love Wales’) – an inclusive movement led by Keep Wales Tidy and local authorities to inspire people to take action and care for the environment.

Flintshire County Council’s cabinet member for Streetscene, Councillor Glyn Banks, said: “Dog fouling has long been and continues to be an issue in all our communities.

"Although many of our dog owners do pick up after their dogs, we are supporting this campaign to appeal to the small minority of irresponsible dog owners to keep our public areas free from dog mess.”

Keep Wales Tidy chief executive, Lesley Jones, added: “We’re excited to be launching this important campaign with our local authority partners. As a nation of dog lovers, we should all be aware that dog poo isn’t just an unpleasant mess, it can be dangerous.

“We’re urging the small minority of irresponsible dog owners to do the right thing. By not picking up after your dog, you could be putting people, livestock, and our beloved pets at risk. Please bag it, bin it and leave only pawprints when you’re out and about.”