Although you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, one Truro pet store is attempting to teach owners a thing or two by launching an appeal encouraging them to clean up after their dogs.

As councils across the country continue to crack down on rogue dog fouling and irresponsible owners, the Pets at Home store at Tresawls Road is looking to help owners avoid being fined by simply doing the right thing and picking up after their dogs.

Dog excrement that is left on the streets can be both harmful to humans and the environment, so while the store stocks a large variety of poo bags and equipment, owners who find themselves short-handed whilst walking their dog can pop into the store and be given an entire roll of bags for free.

Susan Clifford, store manager, said: “We know that the vast majority of local pet owners are responsible and do pick up after their dogs but we also understand that when rushing out to take your dog on a walk, it’s easy to forget to pack a bag.

“That’s why we’ll be offering one free pack of bags to anyone who needs it so they can continue to set great examples and encourage others to follow their lead.”

With more than 8.5million dogs in the UK creating tonnes of mess each day, taking the appropriate steps to clean up after pets is a vital part of being a responsible pet owner and something that cannot be ignored.

Dog fouling orders are governed by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 which allows local authorities to set out public space protection orders (PSPOs) for certain areas, instructing owners to clear up after their dogs. If a PSPO is ignored, dog owners can be given an on-the-spot fine of between £50 and £80, or up to £1,000 if it goes to court.

The offer at Pets at Home will run until stocks last, limited to one roll per customer subject to availability, and ends on Friday, December 16.