Gardeners maintaining public parks have warned that large amounts of dog mess are being left in flower borders, raising concerns about the future upkeep of some green spaces.
North Devon Council said its parks team encountered what it described as “unprecedented amounts” of dog fouling while carrying out the first grass cuts of the year.
The issue was highlighted after council staff found significant amounts of dog mess in the border at Runnymede Gardens in Ilfracombe.
In a statement, the authority thanked the majority of dog owners who clear up after their pets but said a small minority are failing to do so.
A council spokesperson said: “Thank you to the majority of dog owners who pick up after their dogs and act responsibly in our public spaces.
“However, a small minority are not doing the same by failing to pick up after their pets or allowing them to foul areas without cleaning it up.”
Runnymede Gardens in Ilfracombe
The council said the scale of the problem is creating additional work for its parks team and making routine maintenance unpleasant.
The spokesperson added: “The parks team carried out the first grass cuts of the year this week and unfortunately encountered unprecedented amounts of dog mess.
“If this trend continues, we may have no choice but to stop maintaining these borders.
“It creates additional work and is unfair on our gardeners – it is not their job to pick up after dogs, and it can make their work very unpleasant when they are simply trying to maintain our public spaces.”
Dog owners were reminded that failing to clean up after their pets can lead to enforcement action.
Under the council’s Public Spaces Protection Orders, people must pick up dog fouling in public areas.
The council said offenders could face a £100 fixed penalty notice, or a fine of up to £1,000 if convicted in court.
The spokesperson said: “Pets and following the rules go hand in hand. Your actions help keep our parks and streets clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone.
“Dog fouling is not acceptable anywhere.
“Please help us tackle dog fouling by always picking up after your pet and respecting our public spaces. Thank you.”
