THE children of this village are being threatened with the effects of various different ailments due to the ignorance and bloody-mindedness of dog owners. Children come home with their clothes or skin covered in excrement. This is very distressing not only to the child, but also to the parents trying to comfort them.
Many people in the village showed their concern about this situation in the village appraisal, with a large percentage trying to air their views. This does not happen seem to have been taken any further than the open meeting that was held in Horrabridge School.
It should be down to the local councils to release the monies needed to police the areas of concern, (especially as the problem is covered in the local bylaws).
Surely, if this does not happen and someone picks up a dog-related illness, then the council concerned (not necessarily the parish but more than likely West Devon) must be liable to prosecution.
It should not be down to the parents of young children that play in the local parks to go out and make the signs, and try not to react to the obscenities of some of the irresponsible dog owners. The areas of concern are Fillace Park and Weir Park, the worst thing about this problem is that a lot of the people still let their children play in the same area that their dog has just relieved itself. If the relevant agencies want to get in touch with me I will be able to enlighten them on timings and places to watch.
I am not trying to tar everyone with the same brush, there are a number of people who do pick up and dispose of their dog's faeces. People of the village who use the parks are grateful to these conscientious locals.
Ian Mulholland
26 Chichester Court
Horrabridge