TWO campaigns are underway to promote responsible dog ownership.

Durham County Council’s Civic Pride team will run a campaign in Shotton Colliery until June 15 and in Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, until June 21.

In Shotton Colliery, an assembly with mascot ‘Scoop the Dog’ will be held at Shotton Primary School on Monday (8 June) at 9am and at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School on Tuesday, (9 June) at 9am.

Neighbourhood wardens will carrying out patrols every day and anyone seen failing to clean up after their pet faces a fixed penalty.

There will be a free microchipping event on Monday, June 15 between 12.30pm and 3pm at Shotton Community Centre in Bridge Road.

In Pelton Fell, the Civic Pride team will be working with local youth groups to educate them about dog fouling and to create a new dog fouling information sticker for the village.

Neighbourhood wardens will also be patrolling the area and responding to information on irresponsible dog owners.

To report dog fouling, visit www.durham.gov.uk/dogfouling or call 03000 261 000 and to find out more about the Green Dog Walkers scheme go to www.durham.gov.uk/greendogwalkers or call 03000 261 000.