Dog fouling is a health risk and a criminal offence.
If your dog fouls in a public place, you must clean it up straight away.
There are litter bins that you can use for dog waste, or you can bag it and take it home with you.
Reporting dog mess
You can report:
- dog mess in public areas
- people who allow their dogs to foul without picking up after them
We cannot take action against cat owners if cats foul in your garden.
Your responsibilities
If you’re responsible for a dog, you must:
- clean up after it immediately if it fouls in a public place
- carry bags or tools to remove dog waste
- put dog waste in a litter bin or take it home
- keep your dog under control in public spaces
It’s an offence to leave bagged waste on the ground or in hedges.
You’re still responsible even if:
- you were not with the dog at the time
- you did not see the dog foul
The law
It’s a criminal offence not to clean up after your dog. You could:
- get a fixed penalty notice
- be taken to court and fined up to £1,000
Dog Control Orders
We use Dog Control Orders to make sure dogs are kept under proper supervision. It’s an offence to:
- allow your dog to foul and not clean it up
- let your dog roam or stray (except in parks and open spaces)
- refuse to put your dog on a lead when asked by a council enforcement officer