Council battling rising dog poo problem in North Devon parks

There has been an increasing problem with dog fouling around North Devon, the district council’s parks team reported.

North Devon Council’s officers said 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 the issue has led the team to take proactive measures to address the problem. To keep North Devon's green spaces clean, 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 less maintenance and care in some park areas, most notably in Ilfracombe.

Councillor Ian Roome, leader of the council, said: “Unattended dog faeces can harbour 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 faeces 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 is vital that people who are responsible for dogs, whether they are owners or temporary caregivers, clean up after them in any public 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 stepping up their presence and patrols throughout the district.

The council has urged the community to take the necessary steps to ensure local public spaces stay clean and poo free.

To report incidents or for more information about responsible dog ownership, please visit the council's website at https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/environment/dogs-in-north-devon/dog-fouling-and-dog-bins.