 Despite a continued message for North Devon dog owners to clean up after their pets, it seems there are still a fewirresponsible owners who are ignoring this.
As a result, North Devon Council is asking local people to help identify those responsible for the foul practice. This means gathering descriptions, names or addresses of culprits, so that action can be taken against them.
Councillor Rodney Cann, Executive Member for Environment, says: “While the majority of owners are responsible and pick up after their pet, an inconsiderate few are still failing to clean up their act. Quite simply, allowing dogs to foul our parks, beaches, pavements and other public spaces is unacceptable and can be a health hazard, especially to young children. So if anyone has any information about irresponsible owners, we want to know about it so we can hold them accountable.”
To take the message out to the community, the council has teamed up with the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
 Claire Joselin from Dogs Trust Ilfracombe says: “We’re keen to promote responsible dog ownership and one way to do that is to talk to people face-to-face to re-emphasise the importance of cleaning up after our dogs. As part of this initiative, we have been giving out free poo bags to owners, as well as advice. This has been well received and we hope other dog owners will take note and make sure they also clean up after their pets.”
The council has a dog warden service, but it is impractical for the wardens to permanently watch hot-spot areas in the hope of witnessing irresponsible owners. Therefore, the council does need the assistance of residents in reporting incidents, so that cases can be built against the owners.
Dog owners who are caught face a fixed penalty fine of £75, which is reduced to £65 if they pay within 14 days. However, if the fine isn’t paid, the owner can be taken to court and prosecuted.
To report a dog fouling offence, phone 01271 388870 or email
customerservices@northdevon.gov.uk.
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