A new homeowner in the UK has expressed frustration after discovering their next-door neighbour has been using their front garden as a shortcut and a toilet for their dogs. The situation, caught on camera, has led the homeowner to question whether they are overreacting.
Caught in the Act
Posting on Reddit's 'Am I Overreacting' page, user @_Pheebz detailed the ongoing issue. They recently purchased a home in the UK but are not yet living there full-time due to renovations. Security cameras, however, have captured their neighbour in the act.
The homeowner explained: 'As we're an end of terrace, we have a corner plot with a front lawn and also some land to the side of our house where our driveway is also located. Our next-door neighbour has a couple of dogs, and we've picked her up on our cameras using our lawn as a shortcut to the public path, and also allowing her dogs to use our lawn as a toilet.'
One incident particularly stood out: 'Just yesterday, we saw her on our back camera, allowing her dogs to defecate on our lawn. She actually crossed from the public footpath onto our lawn so her dog could use the bathroom. It seems she's intentionally using our grass, and in doing so, is consistently trespassing on our property.'
Plans for a Fence
The homeowners intend to install a low fence around their land to deter further trespassing. However, @_Pheebz is sceptical: 'Our intention once we've properly moved in is to add a low fence around our land to try to deter her from doing this. However, I have my suspicions that this behaviour will continue as she's clearly not someone who has any respect for others and their property.'
They added: 'I do feel as though I would have to say something if this behaviour continues. It's our first property, and already I'm feeling a bit negative based on what we've seen of our neighbour.'
Reddit Users Weigh In
Fellow Reddit users were quick to suggest building a fence as soon as possible. One commenter advised: 'If she says anything, say innocently that you've been finding dog poop on your grass and you don't own any pets.'
Another user recommended: 'If you're planning on putting a fence up anyway, make it high enough that one can't just step over it. You don't need to say anything at all unless she violates that. If she does, then you have a real neighbour problem.'
Legal Recourse for Dog Fouling
In the UK, dog fouling on private property is typically a civil matter, meaning police rarely intervene. However, there are legal avenues if the problem persists.
Dog owners can face a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of up to £100 in England and Wales, which can rise to £1,000 if unpaid. In Scotland, the FPN is £80, increasing to £100 if not paid within 28 days, according to Money Supermarket.
Homeowners are advised to report repeated fouling to their local council, providing details and any evidence, such as video footage. While councils can investigate, they are not obligated to clean up private property.
Ultimately, the Reddit user hopes that a fence will resolve the issue, but remains prepared to confront the neighbour if necessary.
