Primary school pupils from mid-Cornwall have thrown their weight behind a campaign to stamp out dog fouling across the county.
Children aged 4 to 11 from Treverbyn Academy in St Austell, The Bishops in Newquay and St Breock in Wadebridge have made their views clear about those who let their dogs foul on public land and don't clean up in a short film.
The recording is to be used as part of the Cornwall Council campaign and will be shown by the unitary authority's dog wardens at schools throughout the Duchy.
It is hoped the scheme will raise awareness of the issue with children and their parents and council chiefs are warning that anyone who fails to clear up after their pooch will be fined.
Welcoming the anti dog fouling campaign, Cornwall Council's Head of Public Health and Protection Allan Hampshire says: "This is about looking for innovative and imaginative ways to hammer home the message that owners who let their dogs blight our environment are anti social and irresponsible. Our dog wardens carry out a wide range of duties but can't be everywhere. By asking the children for their take on the issue, we are not only educating the next generation of potential dog owners but also giving the children the opportunity to give out the message about the effect that irresponsible dog owners have on their communities."
As part of the campaign, Cornwall Council will be contacting schools and working with town and parish councils in areas which have been identified as dog fouling hot spots such as Camborne, Redruth, Penzance, Torpoint and Saltash.
The authority is also offering dog poo bags at a 10 per cent discount from its One Stop Shops until August 9. Visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/dogfouling for a voucher.
