‘Leave only PawPrints’ - Wiltshire Council launches creative poster competition to promote cleaner communities

Wiltshire Council is inviting young residents to get creative this summer with a brand-new art competition aimed at encouraging responsible dog ownership and keeping the county’s public spaces clean and welcoming for all.

The “Leave only Pawprints” competition, run by the council’s Dog Warden team, challenges children aged 5 to 14 to design eye-catching posters and stickers that remind dog owners to clean up after their pets. The winning designs will be displayed across Wiltshire’s parks, footpaths, and open spaces, helping to spread the message in a fun and engaging way.

Cllr Paul Sample JP, Cabinet Member for Waste, Climate Emergency and Environment, said:" This is a fantastic opportunity for children to use their creativity to make a real difference in their communities. We all want to enjoy clean, safe public spaces, and this competition is a great way to get young people involved in promoting that message and hopefully educating them from an early age on the importance of looking after where we live. I look forward to seeing the imaginative and inspiring designs our talented young residents come up with.”

The competition is open to all children living in Wiltshire (excluding Swindon) and is divided into three age categories: 5–7, 8–11, and 12–14. Winners in each category will receive a £50 Amazon voucher, donated by the council’s Streetscene contractor idverde.

Paul Ashman, Community Engagement Manager at idverde, added: “At idverde, we believe that small collective actions can lead to meaningful change. That’s why we’re committed to building strong relationships within local communities — so that everyone can feel proud of where they live. Clean, tidy spaces uplift us all, and creating these posters is a great way to inspire that shared sense of care and pride in our surroundings.”

Entries can be submitted as drawings or paintings and should focus on encouraging responsible pet ownership and keeping Wiltshire’s green spaces clean. Competition packs are available by emailing dogs@wiltshire.gov.uk, via the council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leave-only-pawprints-competition or can be collected from Wiltshire Council libraries.

The deadline for entries is 1 August 2025. Shortlisted designs will be selected by staff at Bath Cats & Dogs Home and showcased on the Wiltshire Council social media pages during the week commencing 18 August 2025. The public will then be invited to vote for their favourites, with winners announced on 12 September 2025.