WE’VE just come back from a very disappointing walk at Roadford Lake.

Despite there being signs up everywhere requesting that people keep their dogs on a lead and clear up after them, the verges were littered with dog mess and there were many people allowing their dogs to run around off lead.

A family had three dogs on the grass near the sundial — all were off lead and chasing a ball their owner was throwing, even though there were a couple of toddlers nearby.

Further along the walk, a couple had two dogs, both off lead, who ran barking and yapping up to our dog, who we always keep on a lead.

When I pointed out that there were signs requesting dogs to be kept on leads, they just shrugged, so I asked if they could read. I was then accused of being rude, yet I wasn’t the one with my dog running around hassling other dogs!

What will it take for people to adhere to these requests? We try to be responsible owners by keeping our dog on a lead wherever we go, and cleaning up after her, but sadly there are a few, who ruin it for the majority.

I’m a dog owner, but I hate seeing dog mess everywhere — it’s unhygienic and a health hazard. Maybe the time has come for all dogs to be on a lead when out in public?

Tina Burton

near Beaworthy.