Popular “Leave only Pawprints” competition returns for 2026

Wiltshire Council is inviting young residents to get creative once again as its popular “Leave only Pawprints” competition returns for 2026, encouraging responsible dog ownership and helping to keep the county’s public spaces clean and welcoming for all.

Run by the council’s Dog Warden team, the competition challenges children aged four to 14 to design eye-catching posters reminding dog owners to clean up after their pets. Winning designs will be displayed in parks, along footpaths and in open spaces across Wiltshire, spreading this important message in a fun and engaging way.

Last year’s competition proved a great success, attracting more than 60 colourful entries from across the county. Winners George, Elise and Freya were recognised for their creative designs, which are currently displayed throughout Wiltshire. While these posters will remain in place, outdoor materials can fade over time.  With the strong interest shown, this year’s competition will help refresh the campaign and reinforce its message, giving children another opportunity to participate.

Cllr Paul Sample JP, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “This competition was a real success last year, with some fantastic designs from young people across Wiltshire, including our winners George, Elise and Freya. It was great to see so much creativity used to promote such an important message.

“We know that keeping our public spaces clean is something people care deeply about, and this competition provides a positive and engaging way to reinforce that message. By relaunching it this year, we can build on that success, refresh the campaign materials as needed, and continue encouraging responsible dog ownership across our communities.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing this year’s entries and the creative ideas our young residents come up with.”

The competition is open to all children living in Wiltshire (excluding Swindon) and is divided into three age categories: 4–6, 7-10 and 11–14. Winners in each category will receive a £50 Amazon voucher, kindly 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. Following the great success of last year’s event, we’re delighted to be donating the prizes for a second year and to continue supporting such a positive community initiative.”

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 by collecting them from Wiltshire Council libraries.

The deadline for entries is 7 August 2026. Shortlisted designs will be selected by staff at Bath Cats & Dogs Home and showcased on Wiltshire Council’s social media channels. The public will then be invited to vote for their favourites, with winners announced later in the summer.