A HONITON group that is promoting responsible dog ownership to prevent the imposition of dog control orders in the town, is calling for support.

A HONITON group that is promoting responsible dog ownership to prevent the imposition of dog control orders in the town, is calling for support.The Honiton Canine Friendship Group was formed in January after East Devon District Council said it was considering introducing the orders, which would ban dogs from some areas and force owners to keep their pets on leads in others.As part of its campaign, the group is not only calling on all dog owners to clear up after their dogs, but also to help make the town a tidier place.The group is asking dog walkers to pick up any litter and bottles they see as well.Ursula Squire, who is a leading member of the committee, explained the aim of the group.She said: "We persuaded the council to give us a six-month cessation of the control orders but when we get to June, we want to be able to go back to them to show them what we have done."We want to show them that there is no reason to impose the ban, by saying look what we have achieved."One councillor attended our meeting and said he had already seen an improvement."She also asked people to be vigilant and if they find broken glass and a lot of litter, they should report it to the town council and the police to show where the problem areas are.Another aspect of the campaign, for those who are willing, is to clear up dog mess left by others, to help reduce the problem.She said: "We are trying to do something positive to fight the ban. If dogs have to be kept on their leads it means they are not allowed to socialise with other dogs and young ones do not learn how to behave."Mrs Squire also said that if some dog owners were not prepared to take responsibility for their pets, then they should not have a dog.Members of the group would welcome the support of other residents and have asked that they approach them, if they see them exercising their pets.At its meeting on Tuesday, April 21, the group held a fundraising raffle.Mrs Squire wanted to thank all those who contributed prizes, particularly Creature Comforts, which she said had been "amazingly generous".