WEST Devon Borough Council is teaming up with Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, on a series of educational road shows, following up with their campaign to help tackle dog related issues within the borough.

The events are to be held in Okehampton’s Market Street Car Park on Tuesday, July 26 and Tavistock’s Bedford Square on Tuesday, August 9. The road shows have been organised to help inform both dog and non-dog owners on some of the everyday issues facing the council. 

Everyone is welcome to visit the stands, which will be manned by Locality Engagement Officers from West Devon Borough Council, together with a member from the Dogs Trust.  At the stand you can find out how to be ‘Dog Smart’ and how to be a responsible dog owner.

West Devon Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environment Cllr Mike Benson said: ‘It is really important that our residents have all the information they need regarding dogs, whether they own one or not.  We are working hard to overcome the issues in the borough and call upon everyone to get involved in these roadshows.

‘If you don’t have a dog, still come along to learn top tips on how to stay safe around them in the home and in public, report a dog-related issue, or to learn more about dog care.’

Dogs Trust Education and Community Officer Gemma Lewry said: ‘Children can come into contact with dogs every day and being around dogs can have so many wonderful benefits, but the simple fact is that all dogs have teeth and any dog can bite or snap if worried, scared or hurt. So, to reduce the number of dog attacks, whether you are a dog owner or not, it is important that we all know and teach our children, grand children, pupils and friends how to behave around dogs. 

‘All children remember their Green Cross Code and we want Be Dog Smart to be just as well known. Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity with expert knowledge in dog behaviour. Our hope is that simple advice such as NEVER leave your child alone with any dog, never tease a dog, don’t approach a dog you don’t know and always ask the owner before you approach a dog could prevent more dog attacks.’

Further information about everything dog related can be found at West Devon Borough Council’s website www.westdevon.gov.uk