Dogs could be banned from Poulsom Park in Castletown if dog owners don’t behave more responsibly.

Town commissioners are considering the move after a rugby player was smeared in dog faeces during a match there.

The rugby player wrote: ’I emerged from the bottom of a ruck to discover I had landed in dog excrement and had it spread across the back of my shirt and the back of my head. I was not alone in receiving this disgusting addition to the mud on my person and the game was paused while a number of us had to wash off the faeces from our bodies and clothing, for me an entire shirt change was required.’

A further three defecations around the pitch were removed and other surrounding areas had to be avoided.

He wrote: ’It is absolutely disgraceful to have a recreation and sporting area in this state not to mention potentially dangerous for the health of people who use the park. I was very surprised to witness multiple owners and dogs wander into the park after dark that same day with no leads involved, allowing the animals to roam free and evidently defecate freely too.’

He added: ’I hope you look into altering your bylaws in this area with some alacrity.’

Commissioners agreed at a recent meeting the problem needs addressing.

Carol Quine said: ’People stand and chat while their dogs run round. We need at least two more dog bins.’

Chairman Colin Leather referred to a recent case in which a dog walker in Bootle, Liverpool, was fined £50 by the local council (later it was dropped) for using a lead that was too long.

He said: ’Short leads are the answer. We cannot have people complaining about dogs. We must have dogs on short leads and for owners to pick up or we will have to be harsh and decide to ban dogs.’

He added: ’It’s sad, I know for a lot of particularly elderly people. That’s the only bit of green for them to walk their dog but unless things improve we might have to take drastic action. We have to consider everybody and there are young people using the play ground and other facilities.

’The majority of dog owners are responsible but the minority ruin it. We ask that dogs be kept on a short lead and for owners to pick up.’

Commissioners’ clerk Hugo Mackenzie said: ’The present dog bylaws are in need of renewal, so direction is required from board members as to any amendments that may be required in prohibited areas etc.’