Fouling of Land by Dogs Order 2007
The Fouling of Land by Dogs Order 2007 is a bylaw of The Clean
Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005. This bylaw makes it an
offence for a person in charge of a dog at the time it fouls (not
necessarily the owner), not to clean up its faeces in a public
place.
The legislation covers all areas which are open to the air, and
to which the public are entitled to have access (with or without
payment).
Failure to clean up after your dog has fouled
may result in a fixed penalty fine of £75, which you are given 14
days to pay. If you pay within 10 days, the fine will be
reduced to £60. Failure to pay a fixed penalty, or if people
are caught re-offending, will result in further action being taken
in the Magistrates court where a maximum fine of £1,000 plus
costs can be imposed. This legislation can also be enforced by the
Police Community Support Officers.
Exemptions to this legislation are:
- The person has a reasonable excuse for failing to clean up the
faeces or the owner/occupier or other person or authority having
control of the land has consented (generally or specifically) to
his/her failing to clean up the faeces.
- The person in charge of the dog is registered blind.
- The person has a disability which affects his mobility, manual
dexterity, physical co-ordination or ability to lift, carry or
otherwise move everyday objects, in respect of a dog trained by a
prescribed charity upon which they rely for assistance.
The law does not consider as a reasonable excuse:
- Ignorance of the law.
- Having no bag with which to clean.
- Being unaware that your dog has fouled
- Lack of signs