THERE have been a number of stories in the Courier about owners allowing their dogs to foul the pavements and public areas.

A letter from one of our readers which appeared in issue 1132 on Friday, April 7, asked "Why do owners allow their dogs to foul the pavement?"

The reader expressed concern over the possible health risk to children using a pavement where dogs have been allowed to foul and stressed that it is also unpleasant for the residents who live there and have to clean up the mess.

Mid Devon District Council says that it is an offence where a dog defecates, for anyone in charge of a dog to fail to remove dog faeces immediately anywhere within Mid Devon, in any public place or on any land where the order applies.

A maximum fine of £1,000 applies. The offence may be dealt with by acceptance of an £80 Fixed Penalty, if appropriate.

Members of the public can report a dog fouling incident to Mid Devon District Council by filling in the online form at: http://www.middevon.gov.uk/eworks/dogfouling/dogfouling.asp .

Dog owners can get free dog poo bags from the Crediton Town Council office in Market Street (donations to help cover the cost are welcome).

Do you think dog fouling is a problem in your area?

Please let me know. You can contact me at: 102 High Street, Crediton or by email at: [email protected] .

What you told us ...

It seems to come and go. Penton Lane was bad at one time, but is fine at the moment. Most people seem to be quite diligent. I think the uneven pavements on the High Street are more of a problem.

Cath Fitzgerald, Crediton

I have noticed dog poo on the pavements as I do quite a lot of dog walking. I always carry dog poo bags with me and I have been known to give a dog owner a bag if they didn’t have one - I’m happy to do that.

Julie Farrell, Crediton

I recently had to avoid three lots of dog poo on the pavement in the vicinity of the Parish Church. This was at a time when children were coming out of school and many walked that way. There’s no need for it. Most dog owners are responsible and use poo bags.

Crediton Resident

Someone allowed their dog to foul the pavement, in broad daylight, right outside my front door. Why are some dog owners so inconsiderate?

Crediton Resident

It’s a nightmare for shopkeepers on the High Street. Most people pick up after their dogs but there are a small number that don’t. It’s not fair on shopkeepers because it can get carried into their shops and it’s not nice for those who have to clean up the mess outside their shops. There are bins provided around the town. Perhaps poo bag dispensers could be situated at entrances to the High Street.

Crediton Shopkeeper