Dog Fouling
The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 section 3/4
It is a fact that dog fouling is a problem across the country
and within a rural area such as Wyre Forest some people
perceive that it is not a necessity to clean up after their
dogs.
There are approximately 30,000 dogs in Wyre Forest. Each day
they produce nearly 12 tonnes of dog mess. Much of this is left on
footpaths and playing fields and at best can be picked up
on shoes and clothes and at worst can lead to blindness due to
an infection called ‘Toxocara canis’.
It is the responsibility of the person who is out with the dog
to remove any faeces that the dog may deposit and to dispose
of it in the correct manner. The council provides bins in its parks
and nature reserves for the safe disposal of dog
faeces.
Dog faeces is not only bad for people's health
but makes the area look untidy and unwelcome to the residents
and visitors alike.
Failure to remove dog faeces carries with it a fine of £50 if an
accredited officer should see fit to issue a Fixed Penalty
Notice.
Failure to pay the fine can result in the case being presented
in a Magistrates Court in which the Maximum Penalty for
Conviction can then be £1000
Solutions:
- If you have a garden encourage the dog to ‘go’ there. You can
then bury the mess or alternatively clean it up put it in a plastic
bag and bin it.
- If you walk your dog always carry the means to clear up after
it. 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".
Use our
online form to report dog fouling or call Customer Services on
01562 732928