The problem isn't just on the streets though - it's also in all the local parks, which many dog-owners seem to think are just a place to take their dog to poop. I have a small child and whenever I visit a local park I daren't let them run on the grass because they will inevitably walk through a load of dog mess. I know many other parents who feel the same. It's not just that dog mess is dirty, it also carries many diseases (including blindness), and children inevitably end up with it on their clothes and hands (and pushchair and carseat etc etc.....). I feel it is such a shame that the parks are being taken over by the dogs, that families are being put off using them, and that children end up being discouraged from having a good run around.

Of the local parks, Blythe Hill and Mayow Park are pretty bad. The Horniman Gardens at least have a separate section marked for dog-owners to walk their dogs, but this isn't guaranteed as I've often seen dog mess in the other areas too.

This all means that a nice visit to the park ends up in a load of stress. I've not been brave enough myself to confront the owners when I've seen them let their dog mess, but I do think more stark notices about the diseases it carries, possible fines, and separate dog-poop areas in the park might help a bit.

I think this poster campaign by Exeter Council is much more hard-hitting that any of those weedy 'please clear up after your dog' signs:
http://www.exeter.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5358

Sorry about the rant but I feel pretty strongly about this!