Light-up collar call to district dog owners

DOG owners in Blaby are being urged to make sure their pets can be seen now the nights are drawing in.

For the second year running Blaby District Council is encouraging residents to fit their pooch with a light-up collar.

The aim is to heighten visibility and so increase safety as well as prevent fouling.

As part of the initiative the council is running a competition with a top prize of a fantastic doggy Christmas hamper.

A limited number of illuminated collars are also being given away.

To enter the contest dog owners just need to take a picture of their “lit-up” pooch out and about during the daily walk.

Entries can be posted to the Blaby District Facebook page or tweeted to @BlabyDC with the photo and hashtag. #DogsOfBlaby.

A winner will be selected at random with the prize, worth around £60, donated by Blaby Pet and Garden Centre.

Michelle Ikin, senior animal services officer for Blaby District Council, said: “There is a noticeable increase in dog fouling on our streets and parks during the winter. This can be because owners can’t see their dog when it’s dark.

“We also want to make sure our residents’ dogs are as safe as possible during the winter season.”

Light-up collars are available online from as little as £2. To enter the competition visit www.facebook.com/blabydc or www.twitter.com/blabydc. Full terms and conditions are available via www.blaby. gov.uk.