A DEDICATED dog owner is intent on ‘keeping Harlech beautiful’ and free of errant pooch poo.

Harlech resident Joe Patton, and his faithful pup Cissy, is hoping to “win hearts and minds” with his campaign to get all dog owners in Harlech to act responsibly.

Joe has set up a ‘Keep Harlech Beautiful’ Facebook group which will educate people on how dog waste can harm people, other animals and the environment.

He will also be patrolling the area handing out dog poo bags and asking visitors and local dog owners to fill in a survey to better understand why dog owners may occasionally leave behind dog piles in public areas.

He is also working alongside local schoolchildren in a bid to get his message to hit home.

“Despite being a nation of dog lovers no-one takes delight in dog mess,” Joe told the Cambrian News.

“The Keep Harlech Beautiful campaign aims to win the heart and minds of dog walkers to bag and bin their dogs waste and will run from 16 July until 7 September.

“The campaign is supported by pupils from Ysgol Tan y Castell who have drawn pictures for a ‘Keep Harlech Beautiful’ poster that encourages dog walkers to bag and bin their dogs waste, each poster contains a scene that children consider to be beautiful in Harlech.

“Help keep Harlech beautiful and free from the health risks of dog mess.

“The health of children can be devastated by the disease it can cause, including blindness.”