A MAJOR campaign has been launched to crack down on the scourge of dog fouling.

Ryedale District Council is seeking the support of all the parish and town councils in the area in its new campaign; ‘Don’t be a Waster’.

The initiative will see events taking place across the region to promote responsible dog ownership and to raise awareness of keeping the environment unspoilt.

Owners will be encouraged to become ‘Green Dog Walkers’ and tie a green ribbon around their lead to show that they always pick up their pets’ waste and that they have spare bags to offer.

Green Dog Walkers will also act as ‘community wardens’ and report people who don’t pick up after their dog to the council.

Councillor Luke Ives, chairman of the council’s policy and resources committee, said: “We’re hoping the town and parishes really back this campaign and offer green ribbons to their local dog walkers.

“We’re also offering them additional resources such as glow in the dark window stickers for properties adjacent to footpaths where fouling is an issue – these remind dog owners that not picking up after their pet is a crime and they’ll be reported.

“We’re also offering stickers that can be added to existing litter bins reminding dog walkers that bagged dog waste can go in any refuse bin.”

The Dogs Trust is backing the initiative and is hosing community events to promote responsible dog ownership.

Cllr Ives said the authority was delighted to have the charity onboard and hoped that residents would take advantage of the welfare sessions on offer.

These will run from 11am to 3pm at The Old School Room, Helmsley Methodist Church on April 10 and at Memorial Hall, Pickering on April 18, among others.

Cllr Ives said: “Dog fouling is something residents frequently raise as an issue with us.

“We know the vast majority of our dog owners are responsible but we need to target those who don’t. Our message is clear – as a community we will watch out for those who don’t pick up after their pets and we will report you.”

Dog owners can also enter themselves into a competition for the chance of their canine becoming the furry face of the campaign.

Photographs can be sent to the council’s Facebook page and the public will pick their favourite pooch from a selection of the entries each week to be entered into grand final to become the official mascot.