SOUTH Hams Council has stepped-up its campaign to deal with dog mess in local communities, increasing the amount of council officers on the ground to help tackle the problem.

A spokesperson for South Hams Council said: ‘Dog mess is unsightly, unpleasant and a health hazard because it can spread disease, or in extreme cases, cause blindness. ‘Therefore, please make sure when walking your dog, pick up your dog waste, bag it and bin it. Remember, any dog or litter bin can be used.

‘If you are a dog owner, you have a legal and moral duty to clean up every time your dog messes in a public place.’

The council are calling on residents to do their part by reporting any incidents, with the location, days and times witnessed. This means that enforcement officers can try be in the right place at the right time, to deal with repeat offenders quickly.

Portfolio holder for commercial services, Cllr Rufus Gilbert said: ‘We all need to work together, to try and root out those who are not clearing up after their pets. ‘Whenever possible we will enforce against offenders.’

The council are holding a range of upcoming events in partnership with the Dogs’ Trust, to share information about responsible dog ownership and also cover issues concerning dog fouling.

These events will be held at: Totnes Market on Friday, August 12; Dartmouth Royal Avenue Gardens on Thursday, August 18; Kingsbridge Market on Tuesday, August 23 and Ivybridge Market on Thursday, August 25.

If you want to help South Hams Council in stopping others blighting the landscape, please report incidents by using the ‘report it online’ form, to inform the council about dog fouling in your area, at www.southhams.gov.uk/dogfouling.