THE responsibilities of the dog warden, who previously covered Tavistock and other local areas, have now been transferred to West Devon Borough Council’s mobile locality officers (MLOs).

Earlier this year, West Devon Borough Council increased the number of officers who could issue fines to people who let their dogs foul in public areas, from one to four. The previously shared role will now belong entirely to the MLOs, two of which will operate in Tavistock.

At a West Devon Southern Parish Link committee meeting held in Mary Tavy, residents were concerned that the MLOs might not be working during times when offenders can be identified, particularly around 6am in the morning or at night.

A WDBC spokesperson said: ‘Our mobile locality officers carry out the same role as the previous dog warden, with no difference to hours worked. MLOs ordinarily work from 8.30am-4.30am daily, if however we are alerted to an incident persistently happening outside these working hours an MLO could be assigned to spot check – just as the dog warden did previously.

‘The dog warden would not have picked up the mess, he would inform FCC, the council’s contractors, and they would clean it up. MLOs make clean up requests just as the warden did.

‘We have two mobile locality officers operating in Tavistock who work on dog patrolling duties for 14 hours per week, at different times during the week. TTC continue to contribute to the dog warden service for these duties to be performed.

‘However we additionally carry out targeted enforcement, in response to evidence from either the MLOs or customers, or where there appears to be a trend of regular offending. The MLOs are supported by environmental protection officers who would carry this out, in addition to providing advice and support.’

MLOs can issue on the spot fines to irresponsible owners who do not pick up after their dogs mess, this could be up to £80. An environment protection officer and senior specialist also operate in the area and can fine repeat offenders up to £1,000 if a case goes to court.

At a meeting of Tavistock Town Council last week locality manager Nadine Trout and street scene manager Cathy Aubertin said that WDBC have taken an educational stance on dog control in the area and although officers are equipped to issue fines, they are also encouraged to give out poo bags and speak to people.

Deputy Mayor and Tavistock councillor Mandy Ewings said: ‘The attitude of education has been going on for too many years. We pay a lot of money to West Devon for the dog warden services and we don’t get anything for our money.

‘I think if someone was prosecuted or fined and it was splashed all over the local paper, that would stop people from dog fouling! A £1,000 fine would act as a deterrent; people know if they see the dog warden they would just be given poo bags and get away with it.’

Cllr Tim Gibbins said: ‘The last time I saw the dog warden was about seven years ago, so what I ask is how often will we see these people?’

Cllr Anne Johnson added: ‘Tavistock Town Council are looking closely at what it gets for its contribution. We do need to see some action please.’

Cathy Aubertin said that WDBC are continually looking at improving the service. She said officers have had some police training so that they feel confident holding formal interviews; they are looking at working with local schools to make sure children remind their parents to pick up dog waste and working with the Dog Trust to run a series of road shows during the summer.

Wayne Southall, general manager for TTC, said that he had been in contact with Nadine and Cathy to ensure that the council are given information more regularly about what they are getting for their money.

A number of local councillors also continue to urge members of the public to report instances of dog fouling to the local authorities.

Tavistock and West Devon Councillor John Sheldon said: ‘To establish the current level of reported fouling in Tavistock is not straight forward, it can be reported to the police as anti-social behaviour and recorded as such, to TTC or WDBC. All this can be completed online, via telephone or personal visit.

‘Some fouling is also highlighted on social media but I would urge any resident to report dog fouling to any of these authorities mentioned. With compulsory dog chipping now in place, I foresee it will only be a matter of time when that is matched with a further DNA sample from the dog. Any fouling can then be traced back to the owner of the dog.’

Cllr Sheldon has also previously proposed that TTC appoint a lead councillor to handle dog issues in the town but said he had not yet been successful. He added: ’The situation regarding dog warden cover in Tavistock does require review. From all accounts at certain times locality officers will act as dog wardens in the towns and parishes of WDBC area where the service is paid for, as in Tavistock. When it is finally confirmed at council on Tuesday as to whether there is any support for a lead councillor for dog concerns, I will either review this service personally or assist the lead councillor to do so.’