OKEHAMPTON Argyle Football Club is frustrated by the growing amount of dog mess left behind by ‘irresponsible’ dog owners in areas of Simmons Park.

Despite the potential fine of up to £1,000 for dog owners caught not picking up after their pets, dog faeces has been found in many areas of the park, including the football pitches.

Okehampton Argyle Football Club chairman Dave Weekes expressed concerns about the amount of dog mess that is not being picked up by ‘careless’ and ‘irresponsible‘ dog owners.

‘It’s annoying,’ said Dave. ‘It’s the fault of irresponsible dog owners who are not picking up their dog’s mess.

‘This has been going on for a while now and it’s a real nuisance. Some dog owners just let them off their leads and don’t watch what they’re are doing.

‘The dog foul on the pitches is becoming a real problem as we often have to scout the pitches to clear away any mess before letting the kids out to play on the field.

‘It’s not just the pitches at the football club — there is dog mess being left all over Simmons Park.

‘It’s a minority of dog owners who are causing the problem and we could do with West Devon Borough Council providing more dog wardens, so that those leaving behind mess can be fined.’

A spokesperson for West Devon Borough Council said that the council was determined to deal with the issue of dog mess in and around local communities.

‘Dog mess is unsightly, unpleasant and a health hazard because it can spread disease, or in extreme cases, cause blindness.

‘Therefore, please make sure when walking your dog, you pick up your dog waste, bag it and bin it.

‘Remember, any dog or litter bin can be used. If you are a dog owner, you have a legal and moral duty to clean up every time your dog messes in a public place.

‘To overcome this issue, the council is calling on residents to do their part by reporting any incidents, with the location, days and times witnessed.

‘This means the enforcement officers can try be in the right place at the right time, to deal with repeat offenders quickly.’

Dog fouling can be reported online at www.westdevon.gov.uk/article/ 7397/Dog-Fouling

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