Frequently asked questions about dog fouling

Whose responsibility is it to deal with dog waste?

The owner of a dog is ultimately responsible for disposing of their own dog's waste. Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 should an owner or person responsible for a dog at the time fail to pick up their dog's waste from a public area (subject to certain exemptions) then an offence is committed. The offender may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecuted. 

Dog bins were installed by the council to help encourage responsible dog ownership. We provide a number of strategically located dog bins throughout the area for dog owners to use whilst walking their dog. In the absence of a dog bin dog owners can also use street litter bins to dispose of their dogs' waste and/or take it home.

Cleansing will proactively and reactively remove dog fouling from adopted areas as required and within specified target response times.

How many people have been issued fines by the council?

2022/23 - 2
2021/22 - 1
2020/21 - 1
2019/20 - 1
2018/19 - 0

How many complaints have you received about dog fouling?

2022/23 - 456
2021/22 - 468
2020/21 - 492
2019/20 - 573
2018/19 - 598

Who deals with the dog fouling complaints within your local authority, such as cleansing team, dog warden or enforcement officers?

Our cleansing department remove the waste and our Enforcement Team deal with information regarding owners and carry out patrols.

What are you currently doing to tackle the issues around dog fouling?

Proactive education and engagement programme around schools and parks and community spaces.