Dog Fouling and the Law©

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL

An estimated 900 tonnes of dog faeces is produced by U.K. dogs every day. Here in Southwark we estimate that 3.5 tonnes of dog faeces per day is produced. Think of how much that costs each Council tax payer to have dog mess removed. Not only is dog mess on the streets and open spaces costly, it is also extremely unpleasant. A Tidy Britain Group survey found that 80% of people questioned were "greatly concerned" by dog mess. Not only is dog mess unpleasant it is also extremely dangerous as people can catch toxicariasis. Children and pregnant women are particularly prone to this disease which can lead to blindness.

IS DOG FOULING AN OFFENCE ?

Recent legislation, The Dogs (Fouling of the Land) Act 1996 allows local authorities to designate land upon which it is an offence not to clean up after your dog. Southwark Council has implemented an Order to ensure that dog owners clear away dog mess. This applies in Parks, Cemeteries, highways and housing estates. In Southwark dog owners will be taken to Court for not clearing up after their dog for the first offence. A dog owner can be fined up to £1,000. This Order overturns any existing bye-laws relating to dog mess in Southwark.

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT A DOG FOULING OFFENCE ?

If you wish to take action against a dog owner who has not cleared up after their dog, you should take notes as soon as you can. The details you will need are:

Contact Southwark Council on 0207 525 2134 and speak to the Animal Warden. The Animal Warden or Officer of the Council can witness the fouling, if it is a regular event. In Southwark, offenders will be taken to Court for the first offence. There are no prior warnings given. Offenders can be fined up to £1,000.

If you have reported an offence you will be asked to make a statement. You will have to name the person concerned and give information about the offence. An officer will assist you with your statement.

The court must give a copy of your statement to the offender if requested to do so. If the case goes to court and the offender defends their actiona then you may be called as a witness and have to explain to the court what you saw.

GETTING DOG FAECES CLEARED FROM PUBLIC PLACES

If you want to complain of dog mess in Southwark Parks, Cemetries, highways and housing estates you should phone 0207 525 2183/2188 with details of the fouled place. We will log the details. On the public highways we will respond to your call within an hour. If the dog's mess is not cleared ask us for our Complaint's procedures.

You can write to us at

Environmental Management
Municipal Offices
151-153, Walworth Road
LONDON SE17 1RY

RELEVANT LEGISLATION

All available from The Stationery Office (Tel.) 0207 873 9090 (Fax.) 0207 873 8200

WHAT SHOULD DOG OWNERS DO ?

Responsible owners do not allow their dogs to foul in public places. Dogs need to be trained to 'go at home' in their own garden, before or after a walk. If dog fouling happens away from home responsible owners will clean up after the dog. Any plastic bag can be used. Special poop scoop bags can be bought at pet shops, vets or supermarkets. Get rid of the faeces in a poop scoop bin or take the bag home and flush it down the toilet. You will see dog waste bins on the streets and in parks across Southwark. If you are far from home or can not locate a dog waste bin, double wrap the faeces in two plastic bags and put it in an ordinary litter bin.

HOW TO USE A POOP SCOOP

Place the bag over the dog mess and lift it whilst pulling the bag down. Alternatively use two pieces of cardboard to clear up the mess and put it in the bag. Tie a knot in the bag and dispose of it in a dog waste bin or take the bag home and flush it down the toilet. Make sure you hands do not come into contact with the dog mess.

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