THE leader of Trafford Council is spearheading an anti-dog fouling campaign.


And so committed is he to the cause, that Cllr Sean Anstee brought his own dog, Stanley, along to the launch of the initiative at Broadway Park, in Davyhulme, on April 8.


The campaign will focus on educating the public on the dangers of dog mess and the impact it has on the community, while simultaneously encouraging dog owners to ‘be responsible’.


A number of activities will take place across the borough from this week – which include stencilling messages in parks and open spaces, school visits, competitions, community events and road shows.


A ‘cohesive advertising’ campaign is also to be launched, which will include social media, website, leaflets and posters.


Cllr Anstee said: “We’re launching the campaign because dog fouling is unacceptable and anti-social.


“We want people to be responsible in the borough and we want them to pick up mess that their dogs create.”


The council leader was joined at the campaign by councillors Viv Ward, June Reilly and John Reilly, who are helping to promote the borough-wide ‘be responsible’ initiative.


Cllr Anstee added: “We want to send out the clear message ‘keep our environment clean and green’.


“The be responsible campaign starts with dog fouling, but moves onto fly tipping and other environmental issues.”


It is an offence for a person in control of a dog not to clean up after it, which can result in a £50 fixed penalty notice or a £1,000 court fine.


If you’d like to ‘be responsible’ and receive a toolkit to help promote the campaign in your area, email marketing@trafford.gov.uk or visit: trafford.gov.uk/dogfouling.