THE council is reminding dog owners to be responsible when out walking their pets following an increase in dog fouling during the coronavirus lockdown.

The authority says, as people are able to walk their dogs in the daytime, some owners have left dog mess on open spaces and public footways, with officers also finding bagged-up dog mess hanging from tree branches.

The council has chosen to keep public parks open during the lockdown so residents and their pets can enjoy Warrington’s green spaces safely during the permitted exercise time outdoors.

Cllr Judith Guthrie, cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: “As we keep our public parks open for residents to enjoy through the lockdown, we ask that in return anyone walking their dog cleans up and disposes of their dog’s waste appropriately.

“If you are walking a dog for someone else, while safely social distancing, it is still your responsibility to clean up the dog’s mess while walking them.

“Given the pressures on council services we would ask that, if possible, you then take dog mess bags home with you and dispose in your own general waste bin rather than using public bins.

“Please don’t spoil our precious parks and green spaces for other people, especially during this difficult period.

“We don’t want to have to impose restrictions on our valuable community assets.”

For more information visit warrington.gov.uk/dogs-warrington-parks.