INCIDENCES of dog fouling around Okehampton seem to be on the increase.

The town council has received a number of complaints in recent weeks, with North Street, Oaklands Drive and Fatherford Lane among the worst affected areas.

In January, the council extended a trial dog warden scheme to curb the actions of irresponsible dog owners in Simmons Park.

The warden, approved by the Security Industry Authority, patrols the park and surrounding area in a high visibility jacket, educating dog owners on how to act responsibly in the park and eradicate irresponsible behaviour.

But the warden scheme may merely have moved the problem, as incidences of dogs fouling elsewhere seem to have risen, the council's parks committee was told at a meeting on Monday.

Cllr Paul Vachon said: 'It seems now there is more dog fouling around the town. People are not letting their dogs foul in the park and instead, are letting them foul elsewhere. It is a sad thing to see.

'It would also be sad to have to put more signs up around the town, but it needs to be seen that this will not be tolerated.'

The council is now looking into the possibility of enforcing a Dog Control Order. The legislation would allow it to make an order under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, replacing old byelaws. The order would provide the ability to act on five offences, including failure to remove dog faeces, and failure to keep a dog under control on a lead.

Breach of a control order can attract a maximum fine of level three on the standard scale, which is £1,000.

The council will discuss the options at the next parks meeting.