CAMPAIGNERS who want people to respect the “private space” of dogs have been given permission to put stickers on bins across Bury to help get their message across.

Launched online by Whitefield obedience instructor Judi Rudd last year, the Space Dogs Yellow Ribbon charity is designed to protect dogs of a nervous disposition.

It has won the support of Bury Council, which has granted permission for stickers to be put on bins around the borough. A poster has been stuck on a dog bin in St Mary’s Park in Prestwich.

Miss Rudd, aged 47, explained: “All dogs should have their space respected and people should not let an unknown dog rush up to another dog.

“If it were a child playing, you would not let your child go rushing up to another child if you saw them in a park. If you or your child wishes to stroke a dog, please ask the owner first.

“The dog may be old and may not be feeling too good — there are many reasons why a dog may not want to be stroked.”

Miss Rudd has worked with park rangers and the council to get the stickers on Bury’s bins.

She added: “We need dog owners and the general public to understand the message so we can all use our parks in harmony. If we all respect each other’s space, then our parks and leisure time will be far more enjoyable.”

Miss Rudd is looking for businesses to sponsor the stickers — Goody4Paws Doggy Day Care and Training Centre, in Radcliffe, has sponsored a batch.

In its first year, Space Dogs has donated to seven rescue centres. The campaign sells yellow ribbons, which are tied around the leads of dogs, to let people know they need space.

A Bury Council spokesman said: “We have given permission for stickers to be put on park dog bins. It will help teach responsible dog ownership and awareness of dogs in open spaces, encour-aging other users to give space to dogs wearing a yellow ribbon.

“This is a comm-endable scheme which should increase every-one’s enjoyment of our parks and open spaces.”

For more details: visit spacedogs.org.uk.