BE A trained owner as well as your dog s best friend – by picking up their poop and disposing of it responsibly. That s the message from Uttlesford District Council s animal warden Sue Knight. Owners who don t clear up after their dog are being irrespons

BE A trained owner as well as your dog's best friend - by picking up their poop and disposing of it responsibly. That's the message from Uttlesford District Council's animal warden Sue Knight.

Owners who don't clear up after their dog are being irresponsible says Mrs Knight.

"Dog mess is very unpleasant to walk in, smelly and potentially harmful. If touched, it can cause illness. Most at risk are children as well as parents with pushchairs and prams.

"At Uttlesford we are committed to a policy of responsible dog ownership and improving the environment in which we live. Dog owners need to do their bit too, by clearing up after their dog and disposing of the waste in the bins provided."

GRAB IT - Always keep a supply of plastic bags near your dog's lead ready to poop scoop on every walk. Using a plastic bag to pick up your dog's waste is easy and not as bad as you think.

BAG IT - Carefully turn the plastic bag inside out and your dogs mess will then be 'bagged'.

BIN IT - Dispose of your bag in a poop bin. Contrary to popular belief, it can also be put into a public litter bin if a specific dog waste bin is not available.

Mrs Knight said: "There are thousands of responsible owners and well-behaved dogs in our district. A small number of owners put dogs in a bad light."

Anyone seeing an irresponsible dog owner doing the dirty and not clearing up after their dog can contact UDC Animal Warden Sue Knight on 01799 510594.