FOLLOWING the letters that appeared in last week's Times concerning the consultation on our draft dog control orders, I felt it important to clarify some of the issues raised. The legislation around dog fouling and control has previously been captured under a variety of Acts of Parliament and by-laws which varied in scope, and as a result, were hard to use. Our aim with these recommended changes is to regularise the rules on where dogs can and cannot go across West Devon. We are making it clear when and where dogs must be on leads and we have formalised the council's anti fouling policy. We realise that this generic legal framework covers large geographic areas but that does not mean that common sense will fly out of the window. The orders will generally be enforced where the dog fouling problems are causing concern. With a limited resource, this is often focused in parks, on heavily used town centre routes and so on. There is no intention to put dog bins across the open moor. Ideally, all dog walkers should behave responsibly but we know that this is not always the case. We would urge them to be thoughtful and sensible when exercising their dogs and be aware that bagged waste left inappropriately is dangerous to livestock. The issues raised around working dogs will be considered, along with all other responses shortly following the close of the consultation earlier this week. The council is noting all of the letters and comments raised, including those that have appeared on the Times' letters page. It is very much hoped that the refreshed legislation will not change things for the majority but may help to relieve problems caused by irresponsible behaviour by a few much more swiftly.  Helen Dobby Head of environment services West Devon Borough Council