DOG owners in West Devon could soon see an area-wide enforcement which would include picking up after their pet on Dartmoor. A dog control order has been drafted by West Devon Borough Council to replace existing byelaws and legislation currently covering dog fouling and dog walking. Areas covered in the dog control order would see dogs on leads in some public locations, with no restriction on Dartmoor if the dog is under control, dog exclusions, of which there are four in the borough, and owners clearing up their dog's mess in open air areas within West Devon boundaries, which includes Dartmoor. But this announcement has split opinions of the public and dog walkers alike. Some welcome the news that owners will be forced to pick up after their pet in public areas and on Dartmoor, while others are worried that this could lead to Dartmoor becoming littered with 'poo bags', if no bins are available as people may not wish to put the bags in their car to dispose of at home. One dog owner said: 'Dog poo is disgusting and I think it does need to be picked up, even on moorland and in woodland, but more dog bins will need to be available because people aren't going to pick it up and then carry it for miles.' Dartmoor guide Simon Dell said: 'There is only one thing worse in my opinion than irresponsible dog owners failing to pick up mess after their dog and that is those dog walkers who pick up their dog mess and put it into a little black poo bag then leave it by the side of the path — thus preserving the dog mess for longer than if they had left the mess in the first place! 'It doesn't take much effort. Pick it up and keep the place clean for others to enjoy. Dispose of it correctly.' The main point of the order is to make people more aware of making sure their dog is under control at all times, in the towns and parishes and on Dartmoor, making the areas safe from faeces or out of control pets. Karla McKechnie, livestock protection officer for the Dartmoor Commoners' Council and Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society, who deals with dog incidents on the moor, said that along with the National Park rangers, she would be able to issue on the spot-fines, due to the proposed orders. She said: 'We welcome any initiatives to encourage responsible dog ownership, as farmers are constantly struggling with the problem of out-of-control dogs and attacks on livestock. 'The obligation on dog owners to collect up dog mess in heavily walked areas, such as Whitchurch Down, is welcomed but the bags of mess must not be left on the common as frequently happens on Roborough Down. This is a litter offence and anyone seen doing this could be fined.' Karla added that the matter of farmers' sheep dogs fouling on the moor while working would have to be addressed if the dog control order is agreed. A spokesperson for Dartmoor National Park Authority said: 'The vast majority of dog owners are responsible but there is a minority that spoil it for others. 'We welcome this dog control order to ensure that the moor is kept safe for both people to enjoy and Dartmoor farmers.' People across West Devon have been asked for their opinions about the introduction of the orders, which will regularise the rules on where dogs can and cannot go in the area. As part of the draft, dogs will be asked to stay on leads in areas with retail premises, car parks, cemeteries, churchyards and war memorials, any fenced, hedged or walled pond, area of water or nature reserve, and marked sports fields when organised sport is in progress. One area includes Letheran's Lane in North Tawton. Dog exclusions could be put in place in Memorial Park in North Tawton and Jubilee Field in Chagford. Dog fouling would apply across all open air areas within West Devon boundaries, except Forestry Commission land. Okehampton town clerk Paul Snell said: 'Early on in the public consultation there was an opportunity for town councillors to give their view. 'Okehampton Town Council's first concern was to support a borough-wide policy and most importantly address dog fouling, which is a big problem. 'Overall we welcome any opportunity to tackle dog fouling, and we are looking forward to working with the borough council to encourage responsible dog ownership and safe recreation.' Helen Dobby, head of environment services at West Devon Borough Council, said: 'We have worked closely with Dartmoor National Park Authority on this issue. 'We appreciate that livestock droppings are found all over Dartmoor but dog fouling can pose a particular risk to human health. 'It should also be remembered that if dogs are not wormed properly this can affect the health of grazing animals. 'The new orders will make the rules clear for everyone and it is worth pointing out that they are already in force for some parts of Dartmoor which fall within the boundary of South Hams District Council. 'The dog control orders aim to tidy up existing legislation and provide a tool to allow for consistent enforcement where it is needed. 'There is no intention to be overly restrictive where dog owners are acting responsibly.' People will have until tomorrow (Friday, July 18) to look at the current draft orders and voice their opinion. The draft orders are available at http://www.west">www.west devon. gov. uk/dogorder Comments can be emailed to [email protected]">[email protected]