Dog walkers who don’t pick up after their pets have been criticised by a South Hams rugby club that is fed up of poo on its pitch.

Dartmouth RFC has urged residents to remove their mess after its players were forced to clear it up themselves before a match.

Coach Tom Clark said there is no excuse, adding: “Not only is it unhygienic, but it’s also embarrassing for the club to have to remove dog mess from the pitch in front of visiting players and supporters.

“Most of us have dogs and are responsible owners and clean any mess up.

“Can we ask you to please support this appeal on behalf of Dartmouth Rugby Club.”

The club has taken its rage to the town council and South Hams District Council, which owns the grounds at Norton Fields.

With multiple signs around the area, members are confused as to why there is so much mess.

The club’s press officer Dick Evans said: “Dog waste bins are also provided, which are emptied by SHDC.

“So dog fouling on the playing pitch shouldn’t occur.”

Norton Fields is also used by local schools and other sports clubs, including Dartmouth Amateur Athletic Club and the walking rugby group.

While the mess is causing the club embarrassment, Dick is also concerned that the poo could make people ill.

The signs on the grounds state that dogs should not even be on the pitch, let alone using it to defecate.

One states that it is in the “interest of public hygiene and safety”, while another lists the Fouling of Land by Dogs Order 2017, which states that it is an offence not to clear up after dogs.

Animal charity Blue Cross said dog mess that has not been picked up can contain parasites that cause blindness.

Dick said: “We appreciate that the majority of dog owners are responsible and do clean their dog mess up and we do appreciate your efforts.

“However, there’s still a small minority of dog owners or dog walkers in Dartmouth who don’t clean up. Come on Dartmouth dog owners and walkers who use Norton Fields, please, please clear up your dog mess.”

SHDC told Dick it had sent an officer to inspect the grounds, but they did not find any offending poo.

Cllr Keith Baldry, a member of the SHDC executive for the environment, said: “We’re aware of the issue concerning dog fouling on the Dartmouth Rugby Club playing fields.

“We’ve recently put up public space protection order dog-fouling signs that clearly show the penalty for those who continue to not clear up after their dogs.

“Our officers carry out patrols of the playing fields on a regular basis.

“However, in addition, we’re looking to introduce some weekend patrols in the future.

“We understand the residents’ frustration and we certainly don’t excuse the behaviour of dog owners allowing their dogs to foul on the playing fields without clearing up their mess.

“At a recent SHDC executive meeting, I stressed that officers of the council shouldn’t hesitate to take proceedings against antisocial behaviour like this.”

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and the Public Spaces Protection Order 2017, it is an offence for a person in charge of a dog not to clean up where the acts apply. Fines stretch from £100 up to £1,000.