AN overflowing dog waste bin has sparked outrage for dog walkers on Dartmoor.

A dog control order created by West Devon Borough Council, which had previously split opinions of the public and dog walkers alike, is continuing to cause controversy because of the overflowing dog waste bin.

The new rules state that dogs must be kept on a lead in some public areas, with no restriction on Dartmoor if the dog is under control and owners must clear up after their dog’s mess in open air areas within West Devon boundaries, including Dartmoor.

However, local resident Abi Hall has claimed that the overflowing poo bin on the moors is creating more problems than it has solved.

She said: ‘I continuously report this to the council, yet they do nothing about emptying them more often. I don’t ever get a reply.

‘Responsible dog owners are given a rough deal with the new dog rules, I often walk through the park at 6am and there’s no-one there, yet I’m expected to keep the dog on the lead.

‘Putting poo bins on the moor was ridiculous enough, but they are just causing more littering and fouling.’

Abi said on a trip to the Pimple on Whitchurch Down on July 1, she noticed the dog waste bin was overflowing.

More recently, on August 17, the dog waste bin was overflowing again.

She said: ‘It was so full that people deposited dog poo next to the bin — not ideal for children – for whom they were put there to protect.’

Tina Burton, another concerned dog owner, said: ‘What’s the point in the council providing a dog waste bin on the Pimple when they don’t empty them regularly?

‘We took our dog for a walk there [August 17] and were disgusted to see the bin completely overflowing, with bags of poo even on the floor.

‘That’s even more of a health hazard than if it was left to rot on the grass. And it smelled awful too.’

She added: ‘There are dog poo bins overflowing all over the place, it’s ridiculous!

‘We reported it to the council with a photo and whoever we spoke to just said “OK I’ll pass it on”, with a don’t care attitude.’

A spokesperson for West Devon Borough Council said: ‘West Devon is commissioned to empty the dog bins owned by Tavistock Town Council.

‘The dog bins in and around Tavistock are regularly emptied several times a week and council staff have been monitoring the bins on a regular basis during the summer months.

‘Occasionally a bin does overflow due to the sheer number of residents and tourists walking their dogs during the summer months and responsibly disposing of their dog waste.

‘Generally, the dog bins cope with the waste and we work to ensure that any overspills are dealt with promptly.

‘Tavistock attracts a high number of tourists at this time of year and West Devon Borough Council strives to keep our beautiful towns and countryside clean and tidy.

‘If you see a full dog bin please report it to us so we can empty it as soon as possible.

‘You can report a full dog bin by emailing [email protected] or by ringing 01822 813600.’