Dog fouling
Dog mess is often left on footpaths and playing fields and can cover shoes and clothes – at worst it can lead to blindness due to an infection caused by the parasitic worm ‘Toxocara canis’.
It is possible for councils to designate land under The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 – the designated land includes roads, footpaths, school playing fields, sports fields and parks.
It is an offence for a dog owner not to clean up after their dog in these areas.
Failure to do so can result in a prosecution and fine of up to £1,000 – it is no defence to claim ignorance of the dog’s actions.
Solutions to dog fouling
- If you have a garden, encourage the dog to go there – then bury the mess or bin it
- If you walk your dog, always carry the means to clear up after your dog – a simple plastic bag or poop scoops from a local pet shop
- Every time your dog fouls, bag it and bin it – dispose of it in one of the special dog fouling bins. Rain does not wash the problem away
- Never let your dog out alone to ‘go to the loo’
Report dog fouling
Our weekly street cleansing schedule will ensure any dog mess on footpaths and roads is cleared.
However, if you believe dog fouling in your area is a regular occurrence, you may report the issue along with any dates, times, patterns and descriptions of owners and dogs.
Please use our report dog fouling form to send us these details – if you saw the dog fouling take place, please state whether you are prepared to give a witness statement.
