Do you think you dog has star quality? Does your four-legged friend adore the camera? Then we want to hear from you.
We’re on the hunt for some handsome hounds and pretty pooches to feature in a special video we’re planning as part of our ongoing Bag It Bin It campaign to tackle dog fouling.
To enter the competition to find our canine stars you can simply email a photograph of your dog to communications@darlington.gov.uk along with his/her name and your contact details, or look out for our post on our Facebook page and enter by sharing a photo in the comments.
Members of our DOGwatch group, which aims to promote responsible dog ownership, will choose their favourites. The winners’ owners will be invited to send us a short video clip of their dog (around 20-30 seconds) having fun on their favourite local walk, which will feature in the final video. There will also be a little treat for the dogs as a reward.
Our canine stars will appear alongside Otto, a miniature pinscher from Sadberge who scooped best of breed in his category at Crufts earlier this year. Otto and his owner Charlotte Westerman were our cover-stars on our One Darlington magazine in June as they pledged their support for the Bag It Bin It campaign. You can read more on page 31 of the latest edition which is out now and available online at www.darlington.gov.uk/onedarlington
Charlotte said: “Otto’s a little star, but above all, he and our other dogs are our pets and part of the family. However, with them comes responsibilities, which is why I’m supporting the Bag It Bin It initiative – it’s something I feel strongly about.
“Not only is it common courtesy to pick up after your dog, but it helps keep our streets, parks and other public areas pleasant for all to enjoy.”
Councillor Amanda Riley, our cabinet member for stronger communities, added: “We know the vast majority of dog owners and walkers do the right thing and pick up after their dog, but some don’t, and we need to remind them that their actions have consequences.
“The video will help us promote the Bag It Bin It message in a more engaging way, and we’re delighted that Charlotte and Otto have agreed to help once again.
“Our message is clear and simple – pick up after you dog, bag it and bin it – any bin will do! If you don’t you could be fined and named and shamed.”
If you’d like to enter the competition, please email or share your photos before the deadline Friday 9 February and we’ll announce the winners soon afterwards.
To find out more about our DOGwatch group and other issues relating to dogs visit our website at www.darlington.gov.uk/dogwatch
[su_box title=”Source Info” box_color=”#ff1f1f”]Content originally posted on darlington.gov.uk [/su_box]