DOG owners in Okehampton are being asked to keep their pets under control in the town's park.

The call comes after a local boy, aged 12, was bitten by a dog while playing on the zip line in Simmons Park. The animal was not on a lead.

Linda Howell's son, Daniel, had to be taken to Okehampton Hospital for his wound to be cleaned and dressed after the incident last Sunday.

Mrs Howell said she believes dog owners should keep their dogs on leads in public parks, particularly near play areas.

'Dogs should be on leads. I don't want to spoil people's fun, and I'm not a dog hater, but if you are a responsible dog owner, you would put your dog on a lead,' she said.

Bylaws posted at the main entrance to Simmons Park state dogs must be 'under proper control' and 'effectually restrained' at all times, and should not 'cause annoyance' to other park users.

Signs at all other entrances to the park clearly indicate dogs should be kept on a lead.

The incident is being investigated by the police, but Mrs Howell said this sort of thing should not be allowed to happen.

'In this case, the dog bit the back of my son's thigh, but had he been a smaller child, it could so easily have been his face.

'People may know and trust their dog, and believe it to be well behaved, but other people do not know that, and ultimately a dog is an animal and can turn at any time.'