In the UK, cats have a legal 'Right to Roam', meaning owners are generally not responsible for where their cat goes or toilets. Unlike dog owners, cat owners are not required to clean up after their pets or prevent them from entering your garden.
Cat fouling is almost never considered a 'statutory nuisance' by councils, and cats are protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It is a criminal offence to harm, poison, or injure a cat. Using air rifles, poisonous substances, or traps that could harm the animal is illegal.
Catrin George, animal wellbeing specialist at Animal Friends Pet Insurance, advises using natural deterrents like citrus peel, lavender, rosemary, or lemon thyme to safely discourage cats from defecating in gardens.
The law is stricter for dogs. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, if a neighbour allows dog waste to accumulate in their own garden causing a health risk, the council can intervene. If a dog enters your garden without permission and fouls, it is trespass. Repeated incidents can be classed as Anti-Social Behaviour.
Councils can issue Fixed Penalty Notices (usually £100) or Community Protection Notices to owners who fail to control their dogs' fouling. In 2020, a dog owner was fined over £1,700 for failing to remove 15kg of pet waste from his garden in Lowestoft, after neighbours complained about the smell.
