SEVERAL Dog Control Orders (DCO) have been issued to dog owners in the Tavistock area recently when a dog or dogs had not been under full control.

A Tavistock police officer said: ‘Owners should be aware that you are responsible for your dog(s) and its behaviour. Incident types vary and could include biting another, spooking horses/riders, worrying livestock, injuring or killing sheep.

‘A DCO could list a specific condition or control measures on the dog(s) to which the owner will maintain for the dog’s lifetime. This could be for the dog to be kept on a lead or muzzled, suitably secured in a garden area or warning signs for visitors. Should any conditions on the order be breached, the order would support any prosecution which may follow or be taken by the police or local authority.’