It may not have the glamour of the Oscars, or the glory of the Olympics, but Jollyes, The Pet People, is introducing a prize that recognises its top store Poo Bag Champion.
The UK retailer has launched the award in a drive to boost sales of poo bags and help dog owners to keep their neighbourhoods clean and do their bit for the environment.
The Poo Bag Champion accolade will go to the manager of one of its 70-plus stores who sees the highest percentage rise in sales of poo bags between now and 20 June.
And to reflect the solid achievement, there will also be a special prize for the Number Two store manager.
What’s more the winning stores (No 1 & No 2) will also get 100 boxes to donate to local community groups.
Jollyes stores sell a range of poo bags, including Tidyz degradable bags which sell for just £1 for a pack of 100, making them great value - in fact at £1 for 100 that adds up to spending a penny for each poop.
The Tidyz pocket pack is also designed to fit easily in dog walkers’ pockets.
Chris Burns, Jollyes commercial director, said: “It’s a big job, but we’ve set things in motion for our Poo Bag Champion award, and we wouldn’t want this opportunity to keep our neighbourhoods clean to go to waste.
“Jollyes customers are responsible dog owners and this is just a bit of fun for our stores to remind them that we have a fantastic range of poo bags at amazing value so they can have one handy when they need to clean up after their mucky pups.”
Stocking up on bags could also help dog owners avoid a costly mistake. Not only do many councils fine dog walkers who fail to clean up after their pets, but some also impose penalties on those who fail to carry a poo bag.
A study by Dogs Trust and Keep Britain Tidy in 2017 reported that 47 per cent of adults thought dog fouling was one of the most annoying things they experienced in public places. Contact carries the risk of contracting toxocariasis that can cause blindness and seizures.