A CAMPAIGN to tackle the problem of owners not cleaning up after their dogs in public areas will be launched in Monmouthshire this week.

‘Give Dog Fouling the Red Card’ is aimed at communities in southern Monmouthshire and is being spearheaded by the Severnside Dog Fouling and Litter Group.

The newly-formed group is made up of representatives from Caerwent, Caldicot, Magor with Undy and Rogiet town and community councils as well as Undy Athletic Club.

With the help of Monmouthshire Council’s Tidy Towns initiative, the group has created signs, posters, stickers and web content.

People can report incidents of dog fouling or identify those who fail to clean up if they are prepared to act as witnesses on a link found on the county council’s website www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/dogfouling

Dog fouling can carry health risks such as toxicariasis, an infection caused by roundworm parasites.

Monmouthshire council’s chief executive, Paul Matthews, said: “There are many responsible people who always deal with their dog’s mess

“But we need to persuade careless dog owners to change the way they behave.”