The problem with so called "designated cycle paths" is that they are not exclusive use paths, they just mean you can ride your bike on them.
I was at Fowlmead at the weekend, where the tarmac cycle track is very explicitly designated exclusively for the use of cyclists, with plentiful signs everywhere warning pedestrians not to walk on it. I still encountered plenty of dog walkers using the track, including a large group taking up its whole width at one point.
The best way to avoid dog walkers, thier dogs and the mess associated with them is to use the properly surfaced designated cycle paths called roads
I often use the Crab & Winkle Way between Whitstable and Canterbury, a shared offroad path for cyclists and pedestrians. It's a quiet, flattish route, well away from the busy main road, which is narrow, twisty and hilly and thoroughly unpleasant to cycle on at peak traffic times. You're not seriously suggesting that I should be forced off this pleasanter alternative and have to take the main road just because some inconsiderate twerps can't be bothered to keep their animals under control? Are you? Really?
When I'm in charge, my first act will be to ban umbrellas. Hateful things. And then I'll ban coat hangers. Yuck. But my third act will be to make it law for dog owners to keep their animals on a
short leash at all times when in public places.
d.