clean-up crusaders are pull-ing on canine costumes to give their campaign some bite.

Emphasising the need to keep Middlesbrough spotless, a number of district council public protection officials are handing out packs of free poop scoops to dog owners, dressed as Dalmatians.

Behind the gimmickry, the town's environment commissioner, Councillor Ken Hall, promised to collar owners who fail to scoop up after their pets.

Coun Hall said a clampdown to keep the town clean was being stepped up with the issue of more £25 fixed penalty notices and increased patrols of parks and open spaces fav-oured by dog owners.

"Council staff will continue to patrol parks and open areas to enforce the law and inspections will be made at any time,'' he said.

"It is unfortunate that we have to use this stick and carrot approach, but we are determined to reward and promote good behaviour, tackling owners who just let their dogs foul the streets and open spaces and who do nothing to clean up.''

This week is National Poop Scoop Week and Middlesbrough Borough Council has chosen to mark it by stepping up its campaign to reduce dog fouling in the town.

The aim, says the council, is to explain to dog owners that, with a little thought and effort, the problem can be solved quickly and easily.