Dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets in public spaces can be fined up to £1,000, police have clarified, as they outlined the penalties and how to report offenders.
Dog fouling remains a persistent issue across the UK, with some owners neglecting to clear up after their animals. Parks, playgrounds and pavements can become problem areas for dog waste, which is unpleasant and can pose a health hazard by transmitting bacteria that cause illness and infection.
Legal obligations under the 1996 Act
While many dog owners act responsibly, those who fail to collect their dogs' waste are in breach of the law. The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 obliges dog owners to clear up after their dogs in public spaces, including parks, pavements and town centres.
Dog owners who fail to comply with the law face financial penalties. The police have outlined what action to take if you witness someone violating the law.
What do the police say?
Posting on Ask the Police, someone enquired: "What can I do about someone who fails to clean up after their dog foul on the pavement?"
In their response, the police clarified that local councils are obliged to maintain public spaces free from dog mess. Local authorities can enforce Public Space Protection Orders.
The police stated: "These Orders prohibit a person failing to clean up after their dog has fouled. A person who contravenes the Order commits an offence."
They added: "The person may be issued with a fixed penalty ticket (maximum of £100). If this is not paid in time, court proceedings can be started, and the person could potentially be fined up to a maximum of a £1,000."
What to do if someone doesn't clean up after their dog
Police have advised that if you witness someone failing to clean up after their dog, you should record the date and time of the incident, note the dog owner's details, and inform your local authority. Local councils have websites, helplines or online forms for submitting such information.
Are there any exceptions?
Regarding dog fouling legislation, certain exemptions exist. Owners of assistance dogs are generally exempt from the law, provided the dog has been trained by a recognised charity and the owner has a disability which prevents them from picking up after their dog.
Dog fouling on private land typically does not constitute a criminal offence, but a local authority may intervene if it creates a health risk or causes a nuisance to neighbours. You can report dog fouling to Environmental Health, who are able to investigate the complaint.
