AN innovative scheme to tackle the problem of dog fouling in North Tawton is being piloted by the town council this month.
Council members at their recent meeting heard that the introduction of eight dog waste bins in the town last summer had reduced the amount of dog fouling in the streets — but the council has agreed to go one step further in the battle to keep North Tawton clean.
It has joined forces with a local business to offer a special discount on dog loos, which pet owners can keep in their gardens to dispose of dog faeces at home.
Cllr Steve Whitely said: 'As far as we know, we are the only council in the country to have done anything like this.
'The dog bins have been fairly successful, but at the meeting it was thought there may be some people that take their dogs out to do their business, then take them home again, because they don't like messing up their gardens.
'We've agreed to hand out these £5 vouchers, which should bring the price of the dog loos down to about £15 and we're hoping this will encourage people to use them.'
Cllr Whitely said North Tawton already belongs to West Devon Borough Council's dog warden scheme — but this was one more way of encouraging people to dispose of dog faeces in a responsible manner.
He said the council has 20 dog loo discount vouchers, which can be used against the purchase of a dog loo from Tasty Pet Foods in The Square, North Tawton.
Cllr Whitely said the council would encourage all dog owners to clear up after their dogs and thanked Tasty Pet Foods for their support in the project.
Kevin Bending, manager at Tasty Pet Foods, said he was delighted to be helping the council with its new venture.
'As a supporter of the scheme we wish it every success in the future — it could be good for the town,' said Mr Bending.
Anyone who would like a £5 dog loo discount voucher should contact North Tawton town clerk, Alison Baker, on 01837 880121, or Cllr Steve Whiteley on 01837 82732.
l Please note the vouchers are only valid at Tasty Pet Foods.