Image copyright Newry and Mource District Council Facebook Image caption Newry and Mourne District Council's anti-dog fouling campaign video shows a man dropping his trousers outside the city hall

A council has defended using a video of a man apparently defecating in the street as part of an official campaign against dog fouling.

Newry and Mourne District Council posted footage on its Facebook page, showing an actor dropping his trousers at the entrance to Newry City Hall.

In a statement, the council said it accepted the video uses shock tactics.

But described it as "an innovative approach" to raising the serious public health issue of dog fouling.

'Educational campaigns'

The footage is accompanied by a song with the lyrics: "Who let the dogs crap?"

It ends with a message to dog owners that said:" Stop! You wouldn't crap in the street. Why let your dog crap on Newry and Mourne?"

Image copyright Newry and Mourne District Council Facebook Image caption The video is accompanied by a campaign message from the council

In a statement to BBC Northern Ireland, a council spokesperson said: "Over the years Newry and Mourne District Council has adopted different educational and enforcement campaigns and despite this, dog fouling remains a major issue amongst elected members and the general public.

"The council took the decision to release this video as an innovative approach to raising the issue of dog fouling and the need for responsible dog ownership."

'Positive response'

"It is accepted that this video is using shock tactics to address this serious public health issue but the council believes this is a means to an end."

The spokesperson said the overall response to the video so far was "very positive".

They said the council was "being commended for adopting such a novel approach".