Senior citizens’ group urges residents to report people who allow their pets to foul public areas

ANGRY Seaton residents are calling for tougher action to collar dog owners who let their pets foul public places.

They want offenders fined and are urging people who witness incidents to report them to the council dog warden.

The call for a major new crackdown has come from the Seaton branch of the Senior Council for Devon, which says dog mess is again becoming a growing menace in the town.

Members say pets are being allowed off their leads on the promenade and beach – free to foul areas without their owners being aware of it.

One reported how two elderly people had arrived at an Age UK event in Harepath Road, deeply distressed after stepping in dog waste before they could see it, leaving them messy, smelly and unable to do anything about it.

Others told how, while out walking their pets, they met with a rude response – or had been ignored – when reminding fellow dog owners about their responsibilities.

Now members are concerned things could get worse during the coming holiday season - when it was important for the public areas to be clean and safe, not only for children but for everyone.

Branch chairman Roger Trapani told The Herald: “This is such a shame, especially when others are trying against all the odds to encourage visitors to enjoy Seaton, like the volunteers who have signed up to be part of the “Meet and Greet” initiative.

“‘Most dog owners are responsible, and it is only a minority who are spoiling it for everyone.”

Secretary Tina Trapani said she had met Police Community Support Officer Chris Bolsover to discuss the issue, which, surveys had shown, had always been at, or near, the top of residents’ concerns.

She said: “As well as pointing out that dog fouling is an offence for which a ticket can be given, resulting in a fine, he stressed the importance of reporting dog fouling to Amanda Lindfield, East Devon’s dog warden, who can be reached on 0845 2417253.

“She needs as much detail as possible including – if possible – the day, time and place, together with a description of both the dog and the owner. In addition to this, though, we need to get the message over to these less-responsible dog owners that it is their responsibility to clear up after their pets.”