In recent months, North Devon Council's Parks team has encountered a rising problem with dog fouling in public areas. While the majority of dog owners are responsible and pick up after their pets, there has been a noticeable increase in dog waste left behind, causing cleanliness difficulties for the council's park maintenance team.

The severity of this issue has led the team to take proactive measures to address the problem. To safeguard the cleanliness of North Devon's green spaces, they have been forced to fence off flower beds to deter dogs from these areas. This unfortunate development has also compelled the team to redirect their limited resources, resulting in reduced maintenance and care in specific park areas, most notably in Ilfracombe.

Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor Ian Roome, says: "Unattended dog faeces can harbor the eggs of a parasitic roundworm, which can lead to a troubling condition known as Toxocariasis. This infection can be contracted through contact with the feaces or contaminated soil, whether it's been a matter of days, weeks, or even months. Toxocariasis poses a threat to both our beloved pets and our own well-being, so it's vital that individuals who are responsible for dogs, whether they are owners or temporary caregivers, clean up after them in any public access area.

"This legal mandate encompasses a broad range of public spaces, such as car parks, grass verges, recreation and sports grounds, parks, river walks, pavements, footpaths, gutters, carriageways, and beaches and failure to adhere to the regulation may lead to serious consequences, including a fixed penalty of £100 or a maximum fine of up to £1,000."

In response to the escalating issue of dog fouling, the council's Environmental Health team will be ramping up their presence and patrols throughout the district. These enhanced efforts are aimed at curbing this problem.

The council is making a heartfelt plea to the community to take the necessary steps to ensure the cleanliness of North Devon's public spaces. This appeal is in alignment with the council's ongoing 'Clear Messages' campaign, which focuses on combating environmental offences, including littering. The campaign encourages community members to actively participate by reporting incidents of dog fouling and littering. The message is clear: 'Challenge it, Report it, Change it.'

To report incidents or for more information about responsible dog ownership, please visit the council's website.