A CAMPAIGN to encourage responsible dog walking in the New Forest has been launched.

Hotline cards and window stickers have been produced by the New Forest National Park Authority in collaboration with the New Forest Dogs Forum.

They are designed to help keep the forest clean of dog mess and protect Forest animals and birds.

The code for dog walkers includes picking up after their dog, especially where people walk, play, park or picnic, and taking the bagged waste home or using a litter or dog bin.

It also says dogs should be under control and not allowed to approach or chase livestock, deer or other wildlife.

Nigel Matthews, community and visitor services manager for the New Forest NPA, said: ‘In the same way that many New Forest residents already proudly display an ‘I go slow for ponies’ window sticker in their car, we are now looking for dog owners who can say ‘I walk my dog responsibly’.

“This means that they follow the dog walking code recently agreed by a wide range of New Forest organisations.”

The window stickers and cards are available at local information points, visitor centres, district council offices and vets, or you can order one by emailing enquiries@newforestnpa.gov.uk