Dog fouling on pavements and fields causes problems. It sticks to shoes and clothes and can make people very sick. A bug in dog poo called ‘toxocara canis’ can even cause blindness. That’s why it’s important to clean up after dogs every time.
Dog fouling
Where dogs must not foul
Portsmouth City Council has rules to protect public places under the The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. These rules apply to:
- roads and pavements,
- school and sports fields,
- parks and play areas.
If a dog owner doesn’t clean up in these places, they break the law. The Council can fine them up to £1,000. Claiming ignorance is not a good defence.
How to prevent dog fouling
You can take simple steps to stop dog fouling in your area.
- If you have a garden, train your dog to use it. Then you can bury the mess or put it in your household bin.
- If you walk your dog, always carry a plastic bag or a poop scoop. You can buy these at most pet shops or supermarkets.
- When your dog goes to the toilet, pick up the mess straight away. Put it in a dog waste bin or a normal litter bin. Rain won’t wash it away, so don’t leave it behind.
- Never let your dog out alone to go to the toilet. Always go with them so you can clean up.
Tell us about dog fouling
We clean the streets every week to remove dog fouling from pavements and roads. But if you notice dog fouling in the same place often, please tell us.
You can report it using the online form. Please include:
- where and when it happened,
- what the dog and owner looked like,
- if you saw it happen,
- if you’re happy to give a witness statement.
This helps us take action and keep your area clean.