One of the biggest problems facing many public parks is the issue of dog waste – and how to best deal with it.
The problem is high on the agenda in Sunderland as residents in the area clamp down on irresponsible owners.
Pet insurance policyholders in Sunderland have been urged to clean up after their pets when walking them around the town's parks.
Friends of Barnes Park have launched a campaign to ensure dog insurance customers do their bit to maintain the beauty of Sunderland's public resources.
Pet insurance policy holders are being encouraged to take waste bags with them whenever they leave the house with their pooches.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, chairwoman of the friends group Rebecca Atkinson said: "We've had complaints about dog mess, so we decided to highlight the issue and make people pro-active.
"We want to keep the park usable for everyone. It is just a minority of users, but it is not want we want."
The friends group has received the support of responsible dog owners in the town, who always carry waste bags with them and clean up after their pets.