Police urged to collar irresponsible pet owners

IRRESPONSIBLE dog owners have been branded public enemy number one in Colyton.

Residents say they are fed up with people allowing their pets to foul pavements and public areas.

Dog mess emerged as the main concern when police and council health officials carried out a neighbourhood assessment, calling on homes across the town.

Neighbourhood beat manager, PC Steve Speariett said it was the most common complaint, by far.

He said: “Residents are fed up with having to clear up dog mess and are quite rightly concerned over the effects upon health. We were given several examples of where young children had trod in the dog mess.

“It is totally unacceptable and irresponsible for dog owners not to clear up. Anybody in charge of a dog who fails to remove faeces from land can be issued with an �80 fine. Hanging bags, containing faeces, on trees is also against the law and attracts the same penalty.”

PC Speriett said people who witnessed dog fouling or knew any owner failing to remove faeces should pass on the details to Seaton police, who would endeavour to prosecute the owner.

On the crime front, PC Speriett said their main concern, currently, was an increase in thefts from rural properties.

“We are urging the community to be extra vigilant,” he said.

“Anyone who gets unsolicited callers looking for scrap metal or asking if they have any batteries for sale should try and obtain as much information about them as they can and any registration numbers of vehicles.

“This information must be passed on to Seaton police straight away by calling 08452 777444 or where appropriate 999.”

For more information on crime prevention visit seaton@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk