A Countryside Code and Dog Awareness Day was held on Saturday (July 24) at St Materiana's Church in Tintagel in the morning, and in the afternoon in Trevana Square in Tintagel itself.

The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of the Countryside Code and give guidance on responsible dog ownership when out and about in the countryside.

A spokesperson said: "Cornwall is a fantastic place to enjoy the countryside for a number of different outdoor activities — including dog walking. There is, however, a responsibility on users to ensure the countryside is not subject to any unnecessary damage that will deter people from using it in the future and present any health hazards.

"Unfortunately dog fouling and disturbance of livestock is a real issue, this event raised awareness of this and let people know how they can act responsibly with their dogs."

Officers and councillors from Cornwall Council, the police, local parish councils and landowners were at the event to promote the countryside code and give information on responsible dog ownership.

Local vets were present to give free animal health checks and will fit dogs with ID chips for a small charge.

Julian German, Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for the Historic Environment, said: "Cornwall is blessed with some of the most beautiful towns, villages, coast and countryside in the world. Its value to local people and visitors alike is incalculable. It is very important to ensure that when we use it we do so with care, it is also a living, working landscape where many people make their living. "Unfortunately, I don't think all members of the public are aware that dog mess can be a great hazard to livestock as well as other people — they do need to pick it up and dispose of it either in a bin or take it home."

He continued: "Out of control dogs are also a danger to ground nesting birds and can cause distress to livestock, especially during lambing time.

"I believe that the vast majority of dog owners do want to be responsible, they are just not that aware of the issues so education initiatives like this are really important."