CHILDREN in Batley are calling out local dog owners for letting their pets roam off lead and not clearing up after them.

Year Three and Six pupils at Healey Junior & Infants School produced posters about dog-fouling and dogs being off-lead, the best four of which will be turned into professionally produced signs by Kirklees Council’s graphics department.

Colin Parr, Strategic Director for Environment and Climate Change at Kirklees Council, said: "We are hoping that dog owners in the area will listen to the voices of the children that are affected most by their irresponsible behaviour.

“An off-lead dog can be very frightening to a small child. These children are having to try to avoid stepping in dog mess every day they go to school because of the actions of a small minority of dog owners.

“You can see from the designs how strongly the children feel about the issue.

“It was difficult choosing the winners, but out of more than 60 we managed to pick 12 who all received a prize from our Batley area ranger."

The four selected designs will be displayed as signs on lampposts close to the school and around Healey Community Centre.