BRADFORD Council has declined a suggestion to hand out free dog waste bags at district libraries,

Conservative councillor Councillor Debbie Davies (pictured) said the initiative could help tackle the problem of dog fouling at a full meeting of Bradford Council.

A written response to the Baildon councillor's idea said: "Ideally it should not be the Council's job to subsidise dog ownership.

"The responsibility to clean up after dogs rests with the dog owners, the majority of whom take that responsibility seriously.

"The Council does however encourage responsibility by providing free dog foul bags to voluntary groups that run Green Dog Walker schemes.

"The Green Dog Walkers specifically target fellow dog walkers by approaching them in a friendly, non-confrontational manner and offer bags if the person doesn't carry any.

"This approach ensures that any free bags are given to dog owners along with guidance and support about responsible dog ownership."

It said the provision of free dog foul bags public venues would be more costly than current schemes.