Dog Fouling

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Last revised: 27 November 2008

Dog Fouling Poster

Please follow this link to make an online enquiry, complaint or report, relating to this service - Dog Fouling

The legislation governing dog fouling changed in April 2006 when the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 became law.

“Why is it such a big deal if I don’t clear up after my dog? Plenty of other people don’t bother.”

Dog mess can contain a number of things which can make people ill.  The main infection being toxocara canis, which is a roundworm.  If the eggs of this worm are swallowed it can result in a range of symptoms from aches and pains to bronchial conditions.  In rare cases, eyesight can be damaged so severally causing blindness.Toxocara eggs are not infectious until they embryonate.  This is usually at least 2-3 weeks after they have been deposited by the dog.  Therefore freshly deposited faeces are not infectious and you can safely clear up after your dog.  However, if the faeces is left, the eggs can survive for two years or more, as they are resistant to freezing and disinfectants.  Infection is from the soil and sand which has been contaminated by faeces carrying the eggs of the parasite.Random soil sampling shows that the majority of the parks in the UK are contaminated with Toxocara eggs in various stages of development.This risk of contamination can be reduced by:

  • Worming your dog regularly

  • Always clearing up after your dog

  • Good hygiene practice

Penalties for not cleaning up after your dog

Dogs must NOT be allowed to foul footpaths, grass verges or public places.

All a dog owner needs to do is use a plastic bag to pick up the faeces and then place it in any bin.  Kennet does NOT provide separate dog fouling bins so any bagged waste can be placed into any public litter bin.

People breaching the order may be issued with a fixed penalty notice set at £75

with a reduction to £50 if paid within 10 days of the date of the fine.

Officers authorised to issue fixed penalties also have the power to require the name and address of a person they wish to issue with a fixed penalty notice. In such cases failure to supply these details or to give a false name and address to an authorised officer is an offence for which a maximum fine of level 3 on the standard scale may be given upon conviction.

This is currently £1000

If your dog does foul there is no excuse not to clear up after them.

Full details can be found under the Fouling of Land by Dogs (Kennet District Council) Order 2006