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Dog fouling

Dog mess is a nuisance and it's associated with various diseases including 'toxocare canis'. Dog owners should clean up after their dog in public places - you can report dog fouling that isn't cleaned up to your local council.

Complaining about dog fouling

Report a dog fouling problem

Connect direct to your council to report a dog fouling problem

Councils can order owners to clean up after their dogs in public areas like:

  • parks
  • recreation grounds
  • children's playgrounds
  • sports grounds
  • tourist beaches and promenades
  • picnic sites
  • pedestrianised areas
  • pavements
  • verges
  • footpaths
  • gutters and carriageways

Your council has a legal duty to keep these areas clear of dog mess. If you see fouling in these areas, report it to your local council. Check what the council's procedure is and confirm your complaint by letter or by filling in an online form. If possible, give details such as the name and address of the offender or, if not, a description of the owner and the dog.

The following links will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website where you can find out more.

Penalties

People who do not clean up after their dog can be given a £50 on-the-spot fine. If they refuse to pay the fine, they can be prosecuted and may face a court appearance with a maximum penalty of £1,000. Registered blind dog owners are exempt from penalties.

Toxocara canis

Toxocara canis is a roundworm found in dogs. Roundworm eggs are found in dog mess, which can easily be picked up by young children. This causes stomach upsets, sore throats, asthma and in rare cases blindness. The eggs can remain active in the soil for many years, long after the dog mess has weathered away.

Advice for dog owners

If your dog fouls in a public place, you must clean up the mess under the Dog Act 1996. Always carry a poop scoop, which is a specially designed plastic shovel, or a bag to carry the mess to a dog bin. If there isn't a dog mess bin, take it home and dispose of it there.

Dog owners should not allow their pets to foul at random in public areas. Toilet training at puppy stage helps. If possible, you should encourage your dog to use your garden - you can then either bury the mess or flush it down the toilet. Do not put dog mess in green garden waste bags or rubbish bins.

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