Port Phillip dog owners and visitors to the area are encouraged to prevent messy moments for the whole community by picking up after their pooches. Please also keep your four-legged friend on a leash, unless you are in a designated off-leash area. See Dog Reserves for more information about neighbourhood-based off-lead areas.

FREE bag holders - called pooch pouches - are available from council. The pooch pouch is a small, bright yellow nylon pouch that can be attached to a dog's lead. Biodegradable and other plastic bags can be stored in it so that dog owners can clean up after their pets.

Under council's Community Amenity Local Law, dog owners must carry bags or devices in addition to the current requirement to pick up after their dog. The penalty is a $100 on the spot fine.

Environmentally friendly products including biodegradable doggy poo bag are available for purchase by local dog owners to use in picking up after their dog.

• Animal Care Equipment & Services Pty Ltd & The DogTidy Company
  1-3 Chapel Road, PO Box 591 Moorabbin,  Vic, Australia  3189
  Ph: (61 3) 9532 6069; 9532 5651 Fax: 61 3 9555 7829
  Shop online at www.animalcare.com.au & www.dogtidy.com

A range of other bags and devices are on the market and available from various outlets including pet shops, veterinaries and supermarkets.

Port Phillip dog owners are encouraged to demonstrate “responsible pet ownership” in its entirety and, in the interest of the entire community, carry a bag or similar device and pick up after their dog.

Use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. If you prefer call ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713 and ask for Animal Management.