COUNCILLORS are considering new signage and whether they can change their by-laws to curb the actions of irresponsible dog owners in Okehampton's Simmons Park.

Councillors discussed the issue of dogs being out of control in the park at their parks committee meeting last week.

The issue was raised after a letter from a member of the public.

Council bylaws insist that dogs in the park must be kept under control by their owners in Simmons Park — this includes putting dog mess into the bins provided. However, this does not mean that dogs must be on leads.

Cllr Christine Marsh sympathised with the issues raised: 'I was out in the park last Saturday, and there was a very large dog running all over the place.

'There were a lot of children and people around. There was no sign of an owner for a long time until someone strolled along the sports pitches to find the dog.'

Town mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies said: 'A lot of dogs aren't in control in the park. It would be a shame to make every dog owner put their dog on a lead, but it is always the same old story — those who allow their dogs to foul in the park and don't pick it up or let their dogs run out of control ruin it for everyone.'

Park keeper David Whitfield felt the offending minority needed to be targeted: 'I see many people who are enjoying the park responsibly with their dogs off leads. It would be a shame to ruin it for them by forcing all dogs on leads.

'We need to target the few who are ruining it for the many. I think bylaws won't change a thing.'

Councillors will discuss the issue again at a future meeting.