Dog Fouling

To report dog fouling online click here.

Irresponsible dog ownership is a major source of complaint and pets can cause nuisance, intimidation and distress to others. Dog fouling can lead to harmful infections, is unpleasant and degrades the environment.

Prosecution of Dog owners who fail to remove waste

The penalty for not clearing up dog fouling can be up to £1,000 if taken to court, but there is also provision for a fixed penalty scheme with a fine of £50 in England.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Part IV) relates to dog fouling and is the main legislation in England for this type of offence.

Exceptions to the offence are:

• The person in charge of the dog has a reasonable excuse for not clearing up (being unaware of the waste or not having the means to clean up is not an excuse)

• The owner or occupier of the land has consented to the waste being left

• The person puts the waste in a bin on the land

• The person in charge of the dog has a registered visual impairment