Durham County Council’s green dog walker campaign will get underway in the town on Monday (28 September) for two weeks.
As part of the event, the Dogs Trust will be teaching children from Cleves Cross, Dean Bank, Ferryhill Station, Broom Cottages and Chilton primary schools about the importance of picking up after your pet.
Local community organisation Approach Too will be running a poster competition at the schools and the winning design will be placed on council litter bins.
There will be a dog microchipping session on Monday, 12 October between 11am and 3pm at Ferryhill Leisure Centre, in Lambton Road.
It comes ahead of new legislation coming into force from April 2016 which states that all dogs must be microchipped and registered.
Meanwhile, signage will be put up in the area encouraging residents to report dog fouling while neighbourhood wardens will be issuing fixed penalty notices to anyone spotted failing to clean up after their pet.
However, anyone seen picking up after their pet will be entered into a golden ticket scheme with the chance to win a £25 voucher in a prize draw.
Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, Durham County Council, said: “The green dog walker campaign is a great way to educate children and adults about the harm dog fouling can do to our environment.
“It is also a good opportunity for owners to get their dogs microchipped before the new rules come in next year and we would urge as many people to come along to the session as possible.”
To report dog fouling online visit www.durham.gov.uk/dogfouling or you can email help@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 261 000.
People can also sign up to the green dog walkers scheme by downloading a form at www.durham.gov.uk/greendogwalkers or calling 03000 261 000.