As well as being unsightly, dog waste can also pose a big risk to our health. Dog faeces can spread a variety of bacteria like Salmonella and E.coli, as well as the roundworm Toxocara Canis. These can cause a variety of infections and illnesses.
Whilst most dog owners are responsible, failing to pick up waste can also mean a hefty fine or even prosecution.
We'll go through what laws are in place, and what you can do if someone's dog is fouling on your property.
UK dog fouling laws
In the UK, The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 means that dog owners are legally required to clean up after their dogs in public areas. These public areas are usually designated by the local council, and typically include parks, pavements, and town centres. The Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 also sets out similar laws.
In England and Wales, failing to clear up after your dog can mean a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100, according to Keep Britain Tidy. And if the case goes to court this could cost the owner or person in charge of the animal up to £1,000.
Are there any exceptions to these dog fouling laws?
There are a few exceptions when it comes to dog fouling laws. But reasonable excuses are limited. For example, having a visual impairment is a valid reason. As is having a disability that might limit your movement and ability to pick up after your dog.
Owners of assistance dogs, including registered blind individuals with guide dogs, are typically exempt from this law. Provided the dog is trained by an appropriate charity, and the owner has a disability that affects their ability to pick up after their dog.
However, to remain exempt, owners are still expected to carry the means to pick up after their dog, and the dog must not cause a nuisance.
There are also certain types of land that aren't covered under the current law. These might be agricultural land, woodland, moorland, marshland, heath, and roads with a speed limit of 50mph or more.
Dog fouling laws on public land
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are the orders local councils use to designate specific areas where people must clear up their dog's mess.
Places covered by the Public Space Protection Order usually include:
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Playgrounds and parks
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Town centres and shopping centres
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Car parks
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Footpaths and pavements
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Roads
It's worth being aware that some councils will put a district-wide ban on dog fouling. You can find out more information by looking on your local council's website.
Dog fouling laws on private land
Dog fouling on private land is not usually a criminal matter covered by national legislation. But a local authority may deal with it as a statutory nuisance if it causes a health issue or significant nuisance to neighbours.
Homeowners can report dog fouling to Environmental Health, who can investigate the complaint. A private action can be brought in court under Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which covers 'statutory nuisance'. In some cases, local councils may also take action against private land owners if the situation becomes a persistent nuisance.
Reporting dog fouling incidents
To report dog fouling, contact your local council using their website, helpline, or online form. You'll need to provide details of the incident's location, date, time, and descriptions of the dog and owner.
If you witness an ongoing incident, you can report it immediately to help the authorities. Keeping a log of persistent problems can also help them address the issue. Your council will arrange for the mess to be cleared. It might also do targeted patrols in problem areas or install signage to deter irresponsible behaviour.
If you report a specific dog owner, the council may investigate and may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) to the dog owner for failing to clean up after their dog. Dog owners could face a £100 fine, and non-payment could lead to a court prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
What can I do if a neighbour's dog is fouling on my property?
It's always best to try to amicably resolve the issue by having a calm, private conversation with your neighbour first. You can express your concerns without blame, and offer potential solutions. This might be poop bags or even fence repairs.
If direct conversation doesn't work, document the issue by taking photos. You can contact your local council's environmental health department for guidance on potential legal action.
Dog fouling can be a form of anti-social behaviour with penalties. Owners could get fixed penalty notices or community protection notices under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Repeated fouling on your property could also lead to legal action, as it affects your right to enjoy your property.
Always make sure you know who the dog belongs to before approaching anyone for a conversation.
What health risks are associated with dog mess?
It's extremely important to clean up dog mess, as there are serious health risks involved.
The roundworm Toxocara Canis can be found on dog mess, leading to the illness toxocariasis. This is usually from ingesting parasitic eggs.
This infection can cause stomach upsets, asthma, and, in rare cases, blindness or other serious organ damage.
Dog faeces can also spread bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, causing various infections.
Children can be especially susceptible to these risks, which makes it even more important to make sure you're picking up after your dog.
It's also important to maintain regular worming treatments and keep your dog's vaccinations up-to-date. This keeps your dog healthy and minimises the risk of them spreading parasites. Having an active pet insurance policy can also help cover the cost of vet treatments if you're pet does get sick.
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