Devon Loves Dogs announces 2026 ‘Bag it and Bin it’ competition winners
Devon Loves Dogs has announced all the winners of its ‘Bag it and Bin it’ competition, rewarding responsible dog walkers with a Devon Loves Dogs Dicky Bag – a handy, odour-proof container designed to carry bagged dog waste until you reach a bin.
The competition runs across popular walking locations in South East Devon and supports the Devon Loves Dogs Four Paws Code, reminding everyone that dog poo (including bagged poo left behind) can harm wildlife, livestock, people and other dogs. Devon Loves Dogs encourages dog walkers to always pick up and dispose of dog waste in a public litter bin, a dedicated dog bin, or their mixed waste bin at home.
Meet the 2026 winners
January winner
Daniel and his Labrador Retriever, Archie, were selected as the first winner of the 2026 competition. Archie is a six-year-old Labrador who loves food, tennis balls and water-based adventures, with favourite walks including Dawlish Warren, Exmouth, Teignmouth and Paignton, plus Parke (near Bovey Tracey) and Steps Bridge.
February winner
Helene and her dog Luna were the February winners. Luna is a three-year-old basenji who loves being out and about and enjoys running on the beach, the common or along the river. Helene said: “Waggy walks are a highlight for her as she can meet up, play and have a good run with all her dog friends.”
March winner
Rebecca and her client-dog Buddy were the March winners. Rebecca is a dog walker in the Bovey Tracey to Moretonhampstead area. Rebecca regularly walks 7 year old Buddy, who loves walkies and ball throwing. Rebecca said: “I don’t do group walks and I tend to look for quieter spots for scenic and relaxed walks with my dogs. Some of my favourite walks are Tottiford Reservoir, Pullabrook Woods, Haldon (I park at Belvedere as it’s usually quieter) and Dartmoor National Park itself is my top walking spot, even in the wind and rain. Thank you for my dicky bag, I’ve used it so much since winning it and it’s perfect to contain all the poop bags until I get to a bin. Highly recommend anyone walking dogs to get one!”
Why ‘Bag it and Bin it’ matters
- Dog poo can contain bacteria that harms people, livestock, wildlife and other dogs.
- Left behind, it can damage rare wildflowers and disrupt ecosystems by adding excess nutrients.
- Bagged dog poo left on the ground can still be eaten by wildlife, grazing animals or other dogs.
Julie Owen, Devon Loves Dogs Coordinator, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who follows our Four Paws Code, especially those who always bag it and bin it. It makes a real difference to the places we all love to walk. If you can’t find a dog bin, please use any public litter bin, or take it home.
