New competition urges dog owners to ‘Bag It and Bin It’

A new competition aimed at promoting responsible dog ownership and protecting green spaces has been launched, encouraging dog owners to bag it and bin it wherever they are walking.

Led by Devon Loves Dogs, the competition is being delivered in partnership with Cranbrook Town Council, Devon Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, National Trust at Killerton, East Devon District Council and Teignbridge District Council. It will run across a range of popular walking locations including Pebblebed Heaths, the Otter Estuary, Dawlish Warren, Cranbrook Country Park, NT Killerton, Trinity Hill,  Exeter Valley Parks, Eastcliff Park, Churchills Local Nature Reserve, Dawlish Countryside Park and Ridgetop Park.

The initiative highlights the impact that dog waste can have on wildlife, livestock, people and other dogs, while celebrating the many dog owners who already do the right thing by picking up and disposing of dog poo responsibly.

Participants will be invited to take part in an online competition, testing their knowledge of responsible dog walking and pledging to always bag and bin their dog’s waste. A Dicky Bag, for carrying collected poo without any smells, will be awarded to a winner each month from January to March in 2026.

Trish Waller is Devon Loves Dogs new project assistant. She joined in August along with her two terriers, and brings a whole range of experience in dog rescue and welfare and lots of enthusiasm to encourage dog owners to get out and about in the countryside with their furry friends.

Trish said:

“Dog poo left behind on the ground — including in bags — is the number one complaint about dog owners. We know that most people do a great job of picking up, but together we can make the countryside safe for other people, wildlife and our dogs. This competition is about raising awareness and encouraging everyone to play their part.”

Julie Owen, Devon Loves Dogs Project Coordinator, said:
“This competition is a great way to encourage responsible dog walking while rewarding the people who already do the right thing. By taking part, dog owners can help reinforce the simple message to always bag it and bin it, keeping our parks and countryside cleaner and healthier for everyone who enjoys them, including wildlife and other dogs.”

The competition builds on continuing work by Devon Loves Dogs, South East Devon Wildlife and partners to promote positive dog walking behaviour, protect sensitive habitats and ensure countryside spaces remain welcoming for everyone.

To enter the competition scan the QR codes on banners displayed at each site listed above or visit devonlovesdogs.co.uk/competition