BE 'dog responsible' is the heading of an article in the summer edition 2012, of West Devon 'Connect' magazine. Here, serious efforts are made to educate and to ask people to carry poop bags so as to be ready to clean up after their animals.

The thought of having a fixed penalty for not picking up is enough for must people to be very responsible but, there are members of the public who seem to take a different view and test the authorities, thinking they will never be caught failing to pick up.

The enforcement of dog fouling laws, as the article points out, is the job of dog wardens and police but, as yet, I have not read or heard of fines being imposed.

However, reading the article mentioned earlier, it could be taken as a warning message before fixed penalties start flying around and, if that happens, I guess, we must expect to see in the press the names of individuals who have received notice to make a contribution by way of a fine to what may be called the'Responsible Community Pot'.  

Finally, true dog lovers will, for sure, encourage dog owners and dog walkers to enjoy time with our four-legged friends but, to realise the message is clear to take care from a health aspect, particularly involving our young children in this lovely community.

Donald Bibey

Okemoor Park

Okehampton