DOG owners are being urged to put their pet's mess into specialist bins.

Wychavon District Council issued the reminder after wardens found rubbish bins were being filled with dog excrement.

Specialist contractor ECP Protection empties the 131 poop-bins distributed throughout the district and disposes of their contents in a hygienic and safe way.

But litter bins are emptied by separate contractors, who do not have the special health and safety equipment to deal with excrement.

"For health and safety reasons, we're making this plea to ensure our contractors are not put at risk," said Sharon Casswell, the district council's client services manager.

"The special poop bins are in villages as well as the towns so there is no excuse not to use them."