Community Rangers, Jantje and Corin, prepared with on-the-spot rewards for dog owners doing the right thing.

Dog owners doing the right thing are getting more than a pat on the back.

Bass Coast Community Rangers took a positive approach as part of a two-week campaign to increase awareness of responsible pet ownership and Council’s local regulations.

“Rangers handed out on-the-spot rewards to owners walking their dogs on leashes and entered them into a special prize draw,” said Acting Community Safety Rangers Team Leader, Jill Broomhall.

“We used a soft approach when the Rangers saw people doing the wrong thing.  With an amnesty in place, we gave out information sheets instead of fines.

“Rangers also provided leads for dogs that were not on a leash and gave out handy dog poo bags to encourage people to clean up after their pet.

“We chose to run this education program during the busiest time of the year so we could reach both residents and visitors,” explained Ms Broomhall.

Rangers were on patrol right across Bass Coast to ensure people were aware of the local regulations. The special prize for two hampers will be drawn at the end of the campaign.

“We do want to remind owners that they should have their dog on a lead except in designated areas and carry a poo disposal bag, to pick up after their dog,” said Ms Broomhall.