IS IT a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Scoopersonic!

Turning a few heads up at the Nothe Gardens is Weymouth and Portland's friendly neighbourhood Dalmatian who has a good scoop for dog owners.

They are advised to follow Scoopersonic's lead and tidy up after their pet.

Responsible dog ownership is the key message being promoted by the environmental health unit at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

It is also an important part of the mayor Doug Hollings' clean-up campaign.

Health education officer at the council, Clarice Wickenden said: "Scoopersonic is the first of four characters who have been created for the responsible dog ownership campaign, an education initiative.

"He made his first official public appearance at the Weymouth Carnival, helping out at a stall and joining in with the procession.

"Look out for more appearances by Scoopersonic because he will be getting round the borough quite a bit over the next year."

She added: "Dog owners are responsible for keeping their dog under control, cleaning up after them and regularly treating them for worms.

"As well as being unsightly there is a public health issue in relation to dog mess because it can causes diseases like toxocariasis."

Coun Hollings said the message needed to get across to the offenders who did not tidy up after their dog.

He described fouling as 'extremely offensive' which posed an 'unacceptable health hazard.'

Coun Hollings explained: "As with litter, it is clear that we need to change the attitudes and behaviour of those dog owners who continually fail to clean up the mess after their dogs.

"It is not the fault of the dogs but the complete failure of the dog owners to understand that the mess their dogs leave behind is not only disgusting to others but it is also dangerous for our children."

He added: "Having owned a dog for many years I know how easy it is to carry around a small plastic bag that can be used to pick up what your dog leaves behind.

"There really is no excuse nowadays."

Anyone who would like more information about the responsible dog ownership campaign can call the council's environmental health unit on 01305 838432.