Dog fouling phone app launched by Flintshire council

Image caption, People using Flintshire council's Doggy Do app can learn about responsible dog ownership

A new dog fouling smartphone app which allows people to report mess left on pavements has been launched by a council.

People using Flintshire Doggy Do app can also send photographs and learn about responsible dog ownership.

Dog mess is a hot topic in many areas of Wales.

Two councils, Blaenau Gwent and Vale of Glamorgan, use a private firm to issue penalties to dog owners who leave litter.

Flintshire council's free app is available in English and Welsh, and allows people to report dog fouling, send photographs and details of the exact locations.

It also allows for reporting of overflowing waste bins.

Kevin Jones, Flintshire council cabinet member for public protection, waste and recycling, said: "This app is just one of the methods we are using to address the issue of dog fouling in the county.

"It means that residents can report incidents to us any time of the day, any day in the week at a time that suits them.

"It's restricted for use in the county of Flintshire, and is free to download."

Meanwhile, a top football official has said that dog owners who allow their pets to foul on sports pitches should be named and shamed.

Football Association of Wales Trust development officer Tim Broome said in July that some pitches had to be cleared of dog mess before youth teams could play.