A dog watch initiative has been launched in Saundersfoot to tackle the problem of dogs fouling in the village.

Around 20 local walkers and dog owners are going to wear high visibility dog watch jackets to help the Pembrokeshire County Council police the requirements to scoop the poop in the tourist hot spot.

It’s the second such initiative to get off the ground in Pembrokeshire and was launched in conjunction with a ‘Saunders WOOF’ event put together by Dyfed-Powys Police to promote responsible dog ownership.

The event was attended by The Dogs Trust, Burns Pet Food, Guide Dogs Wales and Greenacres Animal Rescue.

“Pembrokeshire County Council’s dog wardens have a large number of duties and simply cannot be everywhere in the county to keep a watch for dog fouling offences,” said the authority’s public health lead officer, Steve Morbey.

“Therefore, Saundersfoot has taken the ‘lead’ to say they will help us press home the message of responsible dog ownership.

“Frequently, our dog wardens will be on patrol, but rarely witness dog fouling offences because they are a visible deterrent and when they are present, people pick up their dogs mess.

“However, dog fouling continues to be a reported issue and the community in Saundersfoot are going to become a visible deterrent.

“They walk their pets when council officers cannot be present and they will reinforce the message that if they do not pick up after their pets, someone may be watching.

“The volunteers will be able to provide information to the dog wardens, empowering the community to police itself and I’ve no doubt it will be a success.”

Anyone seen allowing their dog to foul, even by volunteers, may receive a fixed penalty ticket which carries a fine of £75.