DOG fouling in Okehampton this week sparked calls for more responsible behaviour from the town's dog owners by residents fed up with the problem. Irresponsible dog owners are causing particular problems along Fatherford Lane, in Simmons Park, and on areas of open land near West Bridge and on Crediton Road. The situation is causing particular distress to parents and carers responsible for small children — and those concerned to make Okehampton a tourist-friendly town. It is also upsetting responsible dog owners who clean up after their own animals. Okehampton resident Graham Ward is a keen walker and a dog owner who walks his collie puppy in Fatherford Woods and Abbeyford Woods. He said: 'My father always said "leave nothing more than a footprint behind", so we always tidy up after our dog has done what a dog has to do. 'We are disgusted that there are many who don't bother. Worse, they don't even bother to carry a stick and move the excrement into the edge of the road where it could be said to be less objectionable. That would at least be a gesture towards cleaning up.' Another Okehampton dog-owner, Margaret Cox, has written to the town council to complain about dog fouling in Simmons Park. 'I had my grandchildren staying with me last week and took them to Simmons Park where the youngest, aged three and a half, fell into some dog's mess in the older children's play area. I took her into the pool toilets to clean her up as best I could before taking her home,' she said. 'As a responsible dog owner myself I would like to see dogs kept on a lead at all times while in the park. This would stop the irresponsible few spoiling it for everyone else. 'Another day this week I had to ask two teenage girls to remove their dog from the small children's play area. I pointed out the notice that states no dogs allowed. Doesn't anyone care any more?' Town councillor Christine Marsh said: 'I went for a walk in Simmons Park this morning and somebody had let their dog make a mess just near the play area. I thought that was absolutely disgusting. 'People who do that have no pride in their town. People need to take responsibility for their dog and for their town. We want visitors here to come back' The town council has installed doggie bins in the park to try to combat the problem. West Devon Borough Council is responsible for the bins around town, but due to public demand, the town council is planning to add an extra bin on Fatherford Lane. 'There is clearly a need for one there,' Cllr Marsh said. In 2005-6, West Devon Borough Council issued five £50 fixed penalties to dog owners who did not clear up after their pet. Under the 1996 Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act, owners can be issued with a maximum fine of £1,000 in court.
