Owners take the lead as mass dog walk takes place in Barshaw Park in Paisley

A friendly pack of more than 40 dogs took a Sunday walk around Barshaw Park in Paisley as their owners showed their support for Renfrewshire Council’s Take the Lead campaign.

A crowd of 80 keen owners brought their furry companions of all shapes and sizes along to the event which aims to create a community of responsible dog owners in Renfrewshire.

Each owner signed up to the Responsible Dog Owner pledge which sets out that they will always pick up after their dog, always keep their dog on a lead in public places, offer bags to other dog owners who might be caught short, and positively encourage others to follow their example.

As a treat for taking part, every dog received a new branded lead, poo bag dispensers and bags, and a light for night-time walks, before making their way on a lap of the park as they met not only each other, but swans, ducks and birds too.

Councillor Michelle Campbell, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “I’m delighted that so many dogs and their owners came along to show their support for the campaign and the atmosphere was really positive as we aim to create a community of responsible dog owners in Renfrewshire.

“Dog fouling is something that no one likes to see in our parks or on our pavements and the Take the Lead campaign aim to create ambassadors that will always pick up after their pets and be an example to owners who might not.

“I would encourage everyone to sign up to the pledge like I have, and I’ll ensure that my dog Chewie has his new lead on and that I always have bags with me ready to pick up after him – and if any dog owners need a bag to pick up after their dog, I’ll happily provide one.

“Keeping our communities clean and tidy is all our responsibility, so we should all take pride and help each other out.”

The launch of Take the Lead took place during the Big Spring Clean, a month-long event part of the Team Up to Clean Up campaign which encourages every community in Renfrewshire to host a litter pick and encourage positive behaviour change where they live.

More than 4,500 people are part of the online Facebook community for the campaign and hundreds of volunteers are taking part in litter picks every month throughout the year as the council works together with the community to make a positive difference to the local area.

As well as enhanced street cleaning, gulley clearing and litter picking by the council, the campaign provides volunteers with litter pickers, bags and hoops to carry out their litter picks and the council’s StreetScene team remove the collected rubbish at the end.

To request equipment, call 0300 300 1375, email litterpicks@renfrewshire.gov.uk, join the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/teamuptocleanup or visit the Council website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/teamuptocleanup.