Child 'eats' dog mess in shock ad

The posters were displayed in bus shelters around Torbay

Shocking posters apparently showing a child eating dog's mess are being credited with a big clean-up on Torbay's streets.

Torbay Council launched the controversial campaign at the end of April.

Councillor Dave Butt, cabinet member for community services, said that dog mess had more than halved from about 400 incidents in April to 185 in June.

He also said there had been no complaints about the posters.

The campaign by Torbay Council featured a hard-hitting image appearing to show a young child eating dog faeces which they found in a playground.

'About time'

The posters were displayed in local bus shelters and dog mess offenders were warned about the penalty which is a fine of up to £1,000.

Mr Butt told BBC News: "The poster was rather unpleasant, but helped drive the message home very forcibly.

"We did not have any complaints, but we did have people ringing us to say it was about time and they were pleased we went in so hard."

He said the campaign would continue, with the message being spread to schools and community groups.

Mr Butt said: "We are not against dog owners, we are against people that ignore safety and health issues."

The council said dog faeces can contain a parasitic worm which causes an illness called toxocariasis in humans, leading to visual impairment and even blindness.

Children are thought to be at more risk of contracting the disease.