Police settle debate on dog owners not picking up their poo — £1,000 fine

Police settle debate on dog owners not picking up their poo — £1,000 fine Owners can be slapped with a hefty fine Dog mess is a problem across the UK, as some owners don't clean up after their pets. Unfortunately, parks, playgrounds and pavements can become hotspots for dog poo. It is unsightly and a nightmare if you accidentally step in it. Dog faeces can pose a health risk by spreading bacteria that cause illness and infection. While many dog owners are responsible, those who fail to pick up the waste are breaking the law. The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 requires dog owners to clean up after their dogs in public areas, including parks, pavements and town centres. Dog owners who do not follow the law can be fined. The police have explained what to do if you spot someone breaking the law. What do the police say? Posting on Ask the Police, someone asked: "What can I do about someone who fails to clean up after their dog foul on the pavement?" In response, the police explained that local councils have a duty to keep public areas clear of dog mess. Local authorities have the power to implement Public Space Protection Orders. The police explained: "These Orders prohibit a person failing to clean up after their dog has fouled. A person who contravenes the Order commits an offence. "The person may be issued with a fixed penalty ticket (maximum of £100). If this is not paid in time, court proceedings can be started, and the person could potentially be fined up to a maximum of a £1,000." Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings What to do if someone doesn't clean up after their dog The police explained that if you see someone who fails to clean up after their dog, you should note the date and time of the offence, the dog owner's details, and report the matter to your local authority. Local councils have websites, helplines, or online forms for submitting information. Are there any exceptions? When it comes to dog fouling laws, there are a few exceptions. Owners of assistance dogs are typically exempt from the law provided that the dog is trained by an appropriate charity and the owner has a disability that affects their ability to pick up after the dog. Dog fouling on private land This is not usually a criminal matter, but a local authority may still deal with it if it causes a health issue or a nuisance to neighbours. You can report dog fouling to Environmental Health, who can investigate the complaint.