MEMBERS of the public are reminded that dogs must be kept on a lead in Newcombes Meadow in Crediton, and also that owners are responsible for picking up and disposing in the bins after dog fouling.

A number of local residents have been seen recently with dogs off leads, many dogs just fouling where they stopped and no picking up occurring.

As part of the Crediton Town Council “Keep Crediton Clean” campaign, concerning dog fouling, the council says: “Dog fouling is unsightly, unpleasant and can lead to Toxocariasis in humans, which causes serious illness and even blindness.

“Toxocariasis is caused by a roundworm parasite and is spread from animals to humans through contact with infected faeces.

“It usually affects young children because they are more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil when they play and put their hands in their mouths.

“The best way to reduce the chances of anyone being infected is for dog owners to regularly worm their pets and pick up and dispose of faeces immediately.

“To help residents with this, the Town Council has free dog poo bags available. Donations are welcome to help cover the costs.

“Please dispose of your bags responsibly either in a dog bin, a litter bin or at home in your general waste bin. Please do not leave your bags hanging in hedges, on trees, fences or gates.”

Crediton Town Council has ordered 50,000 disposable dog poo bags, which are available from the Crediton Town Council office.

Crediton Town Council has placed posters in Newcombes Meadow warning that dogs must be kept on leads in the park and about picking up dog mess.

It has also placed notices around the town which read “The Dog Poo Fairy does not exist - Clean up after your dog”, with a warning that the maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine.

It has also issued Dog Fouling Report It forms, which should be returned to the Council Offices. Alternatively, it suggests people use Mid Devon District Council’s online Dog Fouling Incident Form at: www.middevon.gov.uk/residents/dogs/dog-fouling/ .

Mid Devon District Council recently said it is continuing to actively tackle littering, fly-tipping and inconsiderate dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs.

Clive Eginton, Leader of the Council with responsibility for the Environment, stated: “We’ll tackle the problem head-on and send out a strong message that deliberate antisocial behaviour which blights our towns and countryside will not be tolerated.

"Residents and visitors to Mid Devon need to take responsibility for their litter or dog waste.”

In March a Cullompton resident was issued with a dog fouling Fixed Penalty Notice after failing to pick up the mess their dog left outside a popular play area.  The person was issued with an on-the-spot fine.