The Council adopted The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 and it became effective in January 1999. The Act applies to any land which is open to the air and to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access (with or without payment).
If someone in control of a dog fails to clear up the mess immediately after the dog has defecated, that person commits an offence. It does not matter if it is in long grass, in the gutter or on the footpath, it all has to be cleared up.
The controls imposed by the Act do not apply to land beside a highway or forming a carriageway unless the speed limit on that road is less than 40 mph, nor to farmland, woodland, marshland, moor, heath or common land. In these areas it is not an offence to fail to clear up after your dog, but, for the benefit of everyone else who uses the area, it is a good idea to do so.
Enforcement action is taken against persons seen to contravene the Act either by prosecution or by means of a fixed penalty notice. The maximum penalty is a fine of £1,000 and the current fixed penalty is £50.
Dog owners are encouraged to train their dogs to foul in their own garden or yard. Should the dog foul in a public place, the deposit should be cleaned up immediately using a plastic bag. The bag should be tied up and disposed of either in the refuse bin at home or in any public litter bin.
If you would like to report a dog fouling incident please contact Envirocall.
For more information please contact the Street Enforcement Team.
Phone: 0191 211 6199
Page last updated: 24 August, 2011
