Dog Fouling
Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, any person who permits a dog that is in their charge to foul any area to which the public has access is committing an offence.
The Council provides bins in parks and other public areas for use by dog owners. The Council is responsible for monitoring dog fouling and for initiating court proceedings against offenders.
The Council has adopted The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. The designated land includes roads, footpaths, school playing fields, sports fields and parks. It is an offence for a dog owner not to clean up after their dog in these areas. Failure to comply can result in a prosecution and fine up to £1000. It is no defence to claim ignorance of the dog's actions.
The officers can also issue a fixed penalty ticket – this means that the dog owner must pay a fixed penalty (currently £50) or face legal proceedings.
Solutions:
- if you have a garden encourage the dog to 'go' there. You can then bury the mess or alternatively clean it up and bin it.
- if you walk your dog always carry the means to clear up after your dog. A simple plastic bag will do the trick or obtain poop scoops from a local pet shop. Remember to take a bag or poop scoop like you'd remember a lead.
- every time your dog fouls "bag it and bin it". Take the poop scoop home and dispose of it there. Remember Rain does not wash the problem away.
- never let your dog out alone to "go to the loo".
It is every dog owners duty to clean up after their dog.
There are no excuses, fouling is unacceptable!
Contact with canine excrement can lead to blindness due to an infection called 'Toxocara canis'.
Environmental Health & Licensing
Stevenage Borough Council
Daneshill House
Danestrete
Stevenage
Herts
SG1 1HN
Tel: (01438) 242908/242916