That's the message coming out loud and clear from Torridge District Council on dog fouling in our area.

Four fixed penalty notices have been issued in the

last week – three in Bideford and one in Torrington – and Torridge's

Clean Neighbourhoods Officers are working closely with the CCTV team in

Bideford to identify possible offenders.

Councillor Barry Parsons, lead member for Environmental Health, said, "It

saddens me to hear of the dog fouling offences and I am pleased that

the CCTV cameras were able to highlight the offenders. Many people are

not aware that a significant proportion of the dog population is

infested with a parasitic worm – 'Toxocara' – which is harmful to

humans. With every justification many members of the public are

concerned about the mess caused when dogs foul pavements, parks and

public areas. Torridge District Council has provided dog waste bins

across the district as a facility for owners who clear up after their

dogs. It's in everyone's best interests that we ask that these are used

at every opportunity."

Let's keep our streets clean!