The Parish Council has recently received reports of increased dog fouling in Gables Road, Jaycroft and the Church Footpath. Mid Devon District Council is the enforcing authority and the Parish Council is working with them to address the issue. Please remember that dog mess must be picked up and disposed of correctly and also that dogs are banned from fenced play areas and must be kept on a lead in designated areas, such as Jubilee Field.
Please see the information below from Andrew Green at Mid Devon District Council.
Hi Willand Residents, my name is Andrew and I am a District Officer for Mid Devon District Council. One of our roles is to ensure dogs are kept on a lead in areas that are covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) as well as dealing with dog fouling issues. Being a Willand resident myself, visually and through complaints, I have seen a big increase in dog fouling issues and people not adhering to keeping their dogs on a lead in Jubilee Fields.
Notable areas where dog fouling has increased include Gables Road, Jaycroft and the church footpath. Dog fouling is not only unpleasant but it is DANGEROUS! Whilst rare, contact with dog excrement can cause Toxocariasis – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures.
Jubilee Fields is an area where dogs are to be kept on a lead at all times, the enclosed play area is a No Dogs allowed area. As a dog owner myself I understand that residents find it hard to find places to have a dog off the lead, however, Jubilee Fields has a PSPO to ensure that dogs are kept under proper control, as well as to tackle dog fouling, especially as this area is very well used by children.
Our District Officers will be carrying out extra patrols over the coming months. If anybody is seen to be in breach of a PSPO or if we spot anybody that has not cleared up after their dog you could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days of the notice), or face court action which could result in a conviction and a fine of up to £1000.
You can report dog fouling incidents on Mid Devon District Council’s website. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me by email : [email protected]
Published: 28/01/2025 Published by: Willand Parish Council
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