A PROPOSED dog control order for West Devon has been endorsed by members of Tavistock Town Council's properties committee. The orders West Devon Borough Council intends to introduce in October 2014 will replace existing byelaws and legislation which currently cover dog fouling and dog walking. People across West Devon have been asked for their opinions about the introduction of the orders, which will regularise the rules on where dogs can and cannot go in the area. It will also make clear when and where dogs must be on leads and formalise the council's anti-fouling policy. Local town and parish councils were consulted along with other relevant organisations across West Devon. A working party from Tavistock Town Council surveyed its sites and gave feedback to the borough council to be considered in the pre-consultation for the area wide dog control orders. Pre-consultation feedback from the working party, additional to the standard provisions, included for dogs to be on leads in the Courtlands play area, in St Eustachius' Churchyard, and Whitchurch play area, and for the exclusion of dogs from Plymouth Road Cemetery. At the properties committee meeting last month, Cllr Ted Sherrell said: 'Most dog owners are extremely respectful but you have that minority that are selfish and ignorant, caring nothing for other people and for the welfare of children. 'We have to use every legal method to put a stop to this.' Cllr Philip Sanders said his main concern was the proposal to exclude dogs from Plymouth Road Cemetery. 'Dogs are a comfort to people who are grieving and I feel this idea is a little brutal as the dog may be seen as part of the family and bring comfort. 'I understand the reason for it but I do think it is a step too far.' Following Tavistock's full council meeting on Tuesday, July 15, members agreed to endorse the proposed draft by West Devon Borough Council, but highlighted their concerns, which included the exclusion of dogs from Plymouth Road Cemetery. Carl Hearn, town clerk for Tavistock Town Council, said: 'The council has recognised potential issues that could arise from the order, and officers would apply a level of discretion.' The borough council's community services chairman Cllr Robert Sampson said: 'We know that the majority of dog owners are responsible but when the minority act selfishly it can have a big impact on our communities. 'The new orders will make the rules clear for everyone. 'We hope this approach will strike a balance between the needs of dog owners and other residents so everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of our borough.' l The consultation period for people to voice their opinion ended last Friday (July 18).