The local authority has devised the plan to run in tandem with the national Ditch the Dirt campaign running throughout September.

It’s hoped the activity will see dog owners behave more responsibly when they are walking their pets in places like Rouken Glen Park and other open spaces throughout the county.

Young people up to the age of 18 can also make their contribution by entering a competition to design an anti-dog fouling poster.

Environment convener Cllr Vincent Waters said: “Dog fouling is a common problem and a disgusting health hazard.

“Most owners behave responsibly and pick up and dispose of their pooch’s poo in the bins provided throughout our parks. But unfortunately there are people who disregard calls not to let their pet’s foul in the park and those are the people we are targeting.

“The appointment of a seasonal dog warden will hopefully deter those people from letting their dogs mess up our parks and cemeteries.

“East Renfrewshire is a wonderful place to live and work and we are working to make sure it stays that way.” The idea for the poster is part of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s contribution to the recent We Love Parks Week.

The Keep Scotland Beautiful - Clean Up Scotland Ditch the Dirt campaign, which runs from 1-14 September, primarily focuses on dog fouling.

The campaign encourages volunteers to survey their neighbourhood and plan local initiatives to tackle the issue. A specific web page at the Keep Scotland Beautiful website will be live over the next few weeks. In addition East Renfrewshire Council’s parks service has appointed a seasonal dog warden who carries out spot checks of East Renfrewshire green spaces. The warden carries spare dog mess bags in his van.

Members of the public concerned about dog fouling in East Renfrewshire’s parks and cemeteries can contact the dog warden on 0141 577 3680.

The competition closes on Friday, September 12. See the council’s website for full details.

Rouken Glen Veterinary Surgery is supporting the cause and provided the dog costume to help promote the issue.