Dealing with Dogs

Dog fouling is not only objectionable, it is also hazardous. The UK dog population has been estimated at 6.5m animals, producing 1,000 tonnes of excrement every day.

There are a number of ways in which local authorities can tackle dog fouling including:

Co-ordinating all departments and officers with responsibilities for this issue (likely to include dog wardens, cleansing and grounds maintenance operatives, community support officers, neighbourhood wardens and environmental enforcement officers)
Introducing appropriate cleaning equipment for badly fouled areas
Providing free poop scoop bags
Creating dog control orders to ensure owners clear up after their dogs
Making ‘no fouling’ signs available free to businesses
Producing information packs
Supplying extra bins and signs in
enforcement zones
Issuing fixed penalty notices
Implementing microchip implant and neutering
known as the ‘chip and snip scheme’
Developing a dog passport scheme

Local authorities should promote the message that dog owners must be responsible and should clean up after their pets. Authorities should also make full use of the enforcement powers available to them to ensure owners do so.

Section 55 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005allows local authorities, town and parish councils to issue Dog Control Orders to control the way dogs are handled and allowed to behave on areas of land within their authority. The land is defined as open to the air on at least one side and to which the public has access with or without payment.

These orders can be applied in five different categories, to:

Restrict the number of dogs a person may take onto the land
Require the person in charge of a dog to clear up any fouling
Require that dogs are put on a lead if directed by an authorised officer3
Place a ban on dogs in a particular area

Defrahas produced a set of guidance documents to accompany the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act. Their Dog Control Guidance is available to download from www.defra.gov.uk

Tools for delivery and success

Wardens’ Factsheet Number 11 – Dog Fouling and Dog ControlControl includes an overview of the problem, the role of wardens and campaigns in tackling the problem, and information on good practice. Download this document at www.neighbourhood.gov.uk

The Good Dog Campaign includes a dog warden action pack and a good dog campaign pack. It can be downloaded at
www.gooddogcampaign.co.uk

Defra provides information on controlling dogs including rules that apply to dog owners. For more information visit
www.defra.gov.uk