Dog fouling
This page provides information on our policy towards dog fouling.
- more than 250,000 tonnes of dog faeces are deposited in this country each year
- if left in parks, sports grounds and open spaces, it is both unpleasant and a health hazard
- faeces can carry and transmit disease to children, particularly toxocariasis which can cause blindness.
Offence and fine
Failure to clean up after your dog is an offence. Anyone seen allowing their dog to foul and not cleaning up after it will be approached by authorised officers of the Council and issued with a fine under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. The fixed penalty fine is currently £50.
The owner will have the opportunity to pay the fixed penalty and thereby avoid conviction. However, if unpaid, the owner may be prosecuted and be liable for a fine of up to £2,500.
Last updated : 30/11/2011
