The Home Office has published a comprehensive guide on dog bylaws to help parish councils who are considering a ban on dogs in certain areas, as a requirement to keep dogs on a lead or clear up their mess.

There are also three free leaflets to educate dog owners on good behaviour. Contact your local District Council Dog Warden for advice.

Please remember that a dog can accompany a walker or rider along a public right of way. But this right extends only to the line of the path, not onto the land on either side.

It is recommended that dogs are kept on a lead particularly when there is stock in a field, and always under close control please.

The NFU produces a useful leaflet called 'Worrying of Livestock by Dogs'. Please contact your local National Farmers Union Office for advice.

If you have a public path on your land in Devon, and you would like some advice regarding the management of the route please e-mail the Public Rights of Way Service to arrange for one of the wardens to visit you.