Dog mess protest

Mick Blackford, chairman of Horam Village Hall and Recreation Ground Committee, claims that the problem of dogs fouling the communal area has got out of hand.

He revealed that attempts to approach dog owners who allowed their pets to pollute the area had resulted in verbal abuse from the culprits.

However, he warned that if the offenders did not start to take greater responsibility for their actions, dog owners could find themselves banned from the recreation ground.

He said: 'People exercising their dogs on the recreation ground or those that just park their car and let their dogs roam unattended are creating a serious problem.

'Their dogs seem to foul everywhere and especially on the football pitches. We have a very strong junior football club who have won their league and several trophies, and they regularly have to clear the playing area where the dogs have fouled before play can commence.

'We have appealed to the dog owners to be more considerate and clear any mess into the bin provided but to no avail. Notices have been put up from time to time but the message seems to fall on deaf ears. The football managers have approached some of the culprits only to receive verbal abuse.

'We have enquired about a total ban. Whilst it is a lengthy procedure, we are prepared to go down that route. Of course, we appreciate there are considerate dog owners but unfortunately they will be penalised because of the misuse of others. Hopefully, with the co-operation of all dog owners this will not be necessary.'

Dog mess can cause toxocara which lead to blindness, particularly in children.