General Discussion

Can somebody please tell me why certain people allow their dogs to foul on the playing fields and golf course where children play? There are notices erected by the council instructing dogs to be kept on a lead. So why then whenever I go by the playing fields are there allways dogs running free with the owner about 50 yards or more behind. Do these people know the disease that can be caught from coming into contact with dog excrement (distemper etc). I bet you are thinking typical moaner who has no dog! That is where you are wrong, I do own a dog and I have kids that play football for Dawlish United and cricket for Dawlish. This is a plea to all dog owners to keep your dog on a lead and clean up properly after your dog. Can you imagine what its like for a young child to fall over and land in your dogs mess and for that childs parents to have to wash the clothes and have to bath the child. This obviously doesn't apply to all dog walkers but those of you who the above applies to, PLEASE be a bit more considerate

There used to be a trail of dog poo all down Luscombe terrace and around the Conservative club. I haven't been down that way for a while,I hope things have improved. Coming in contact with this muck could cause serious diseases including blindness.

It is an offence to allow your dog to mess on the playing fields and you could get yourself a nice hefty fine if the dog warden catches you, or if a member of the public reports you the council will back the person reporting you all the way to court! You have been warned. Keep your dog on a lead or else!!

what about the people who live in henty avenue who open their back gates and let their dogs loose on the playing fields? Tescos wont allow that to happen will they?

I think you'll find that it is an offence not to clear up after your dog rather than it being an offence for letting it poo.

There is a difference.

And Tesco building on the playing fields? I don't think so!

Although it is advised to keep dogs on a lead at the playing fields it cannot be enforced. There would be nowhere for the dogs to have a good run if they had to stay on their lead all the time. I let my dog off to play catch with his ball and always pick up his poo and there are a lot of others who do the same. I think the biggest problems are the ones who go out at night and the ones who send their kids out with the dogs. There is a load of poo on the path going down Sandy lane and this is an ongoing problem. Where's the dog warden??

I think you will find you can be enforced to keep your dog on a lead, especially by the sog warden whoever that may be!!

I have spoken to Teignbridge in the past on this issue and they can only advise on a dog being kept on a lead and can't enforce it unless the dog was a danger etc. The same as the "No ball games" sign, it is only to ask you not to play with a ball on a green but can't be enforced.

But how would you know if a dog was a danger or not?

If your dog bites people, it is a danger!?!?

OK then, picture the scene. You are on the playing fields and your dog is off the lead, there is a game of football taking place and the ball goes out of play and lands near your dog. A child playing football runs to retrieve the ball, your dog thinks the child wants to play and makes a go for the ball and accidentally nips the child on the leg. Is your dog still not a danger, after all it has bitten somebody!!

If there is a football match on or a cricket match then I don't let my dog off the lead, not because he might nip someone as it's not in his nature but so that he wouldn't get in the way of the match. It just needs a bit of common sense really. Where do you take your dog for a run? As for picking up dog poo, If my dog is on or off a lead I always pick it up.

As a owner of a dog I like many other responsible dog owners would not let my dog off its lead if there were any sports activity or a group of children playing ball game.
My dog would love to join in as he is used to playing with the families children.
I hope your dog gets to enjoy some free time off its lead!

The beach is allways a favourite at this time of year for a run locally, or there are some nice forest trails around the obelisk or up on Haldon just past the racecourse

I agree the beach is ideal but as I have to take my dog out a few times a day and it has to fit in with work it doesn't always fit in with the tides! Haldon and the obelisk are great for days out with the family but not for a quick run before work....