A FLUFFY dalmation handed out warnings to dog owners about fouling yesterday.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, executive Middlesbrough Council member for community safety, said it was a "thoughtless minority'' who left a mess on the town's streets.

"These people who don't heed this warning and are caught letting their dogs foul can count on community protection staff taking legal action against them." he said.

Dog fouling will continue to be an enforcement priority in Middlesbrough.''

Council enforcement officers aided by their colleague, Karen Cardwell, in the dalmatian costume, were out and about in the town yesterday giving out advice and free poop scoops.