Dog owners will be encouraged to ‘scoop the poop’ with a new campaign.

Hertsmere Borough Council and Keep Britain Tidy are taking a stand against dog owners who don’t clean up after their dogy.

The environmental charity is rolling out the campaign nationwide after carrying out a successful social experiment which nearly halved the amount of dog fouling in monitored areas.

Councillor Jean Heywood has two dogs and said: “Dog mess is an emotive issue that can affect everyone and it’s a problem on pavements and in parks that all councils face.

“We know the majority of dog owners are responsible and like me wouldn’t dream of leaving it on the ground so it’s a real shame that a few dog walkers are spoiling our streets and award-winning parks by not picking up after their pet.”

The campaign, which also includes increased enforcement measures, will be in partnership with PCSOs who will be encouraging dog walkers to join Dog Watch to help police sniff out crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

PCSO Sophie Eldridge said: “Dog walkers spend a lot of time out in their communities and would know if something suspicious or out of the ordinary was happening in their neighbourhood.

“Dog walkers can not only help cut crime but can deter offenders.”

As well as picking up a free roll of dog poo bags and other doggie goodies, dog walkers will be offered advice on dangerous dogs and dog control, exclusion zones and dog chipping – all dogs must be microchipped by law by April 2016.