Dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets in public areas can face fines of up to £1,000, police have confirmed. A fixed penalty ticket of up to £100 may be issued, and if unpaid, court proceedings can lead to a maximum fine of £1,000.
Legal requirements for dog owners
The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 requires dog owners to clean up after their dogs in public areas, including parks, pavements and town centres. Dog mess can spread bacteria that cause illness and infection, and parks, playgrounds and pavements can become hotspots.
Local councils have a duty to keep public areas clear of dog mess, and local authorities have the power to implement Public Space Protection Orders.
Police advice on reporting
In a post on Ask the Police, someone asked: "What can I do about someone who fails to clean up after their dog foul on the pavement?" The police explained that these orders prohibit a person failing to clean up after their dog has fouled, and a person who contravenes the order commits an offence.
The police advised that if you see someone who fails to clean up after their dog, you should note the date and time of the offence, the dog owner's details, and report the matter to your local authority. Local councils have websites, helplines, or online forms for submitting information.
Exceptions and private land
Owners of assistance dogs are typically exempt from the law provided that the dog is trained by an appropriate charity and the owner has a disability that affects their ability to pick up after the dog. Dog fouling on private land is not usually a criminal matter, but a local authority may still deal with it if it causes a health issue or a nuisance to neighbours.
