Dog owners could face a hefty fine of up to £500 for failing to clean up after their pets under new rules coming into force this month. The change, part of the Crime & Policing Act 2026, takes effect on June 29 and gives local authorities greater flexibility to tackle anti-social behaviour, including dog fouling.
Increased Penalties for PSPO Breaches
Under the legislation, the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs) rises from £100 to £500. This is not an automatic increase but allows councils to set higher penalties where appropriate. John Roberts, Chief Services Officer of Kingdom Local Authority Support (LAS), said: "The Crime & Policing Act 2026 is due to give local authorities unprecedented powers to combat issues such as dog fouling and public drinking."
Broader Anti-Social Behaviour Measures
The law also covers other anti-social behaviours like fly-tipping, littering, and street drinking. Roberts added: "Used proportionately, this increase in the maximum penalty provides councils with a stronger deterrent against repeat or more serious offences." Many councils in England have already implemented PSPOs in city centres to prohibit such behaviours.
Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence. Those wrongly issued an FPN can appeal in the High Court within six weeks. The Act also grants police new powers, including the ability to enter premises without a warrant to track stolen items via GPS or cellular data.
