RESIDENTS in Teignbridge are being invited to have their say on Teignbridge Council’s latest bid to rid the district of dog mess.

The authority wants to introduce a Public Space Protection Order which would allow council staff the power to dish out on-the-spot fines to irresponsible owners.

At the moment officers can’t hand out the fines because offenders must be taken through the courts – a pricey process which is rarely used.

The order also looks at owners being required to carry poo bags, keeping their four-legged chums on leads while walking along the road and restrict the numbers of dogs that can be walked by one person at a time.

Cllr Sylvia Russell, the council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, said: ‘We play an important role in promoting and encouraging responsible dog owners in Teignbridge.

‘Fortunately, many people pick up after their pet and help us to keep areas free from dog mess but sadly there are still some who don’t.

‘Dog mess is unsightly, unhygienic and can have unpleasant health effects particularly for small children.

‘This is an important opportunity to improve controls based on what people have been telling us.

‘We want to know if you agree with what we are proposing, so please get involved.’

The survey, which runs until September 29, can be found online teignbridge.gov.uk/dogsurvey.