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Dog Fouling

Dog Fouling - information on what we do

Dog fouling on public footpaths and playing fields causes many problems. It can get on your shoes and clothes, or in the worse cases it can lead to blindness due to an infection called Toxocariasis caused by the worm Toxocara Canis found in dog faeces.

The Council works hard to reduce the incidence of dog fouling in the borough, but there will always be a small number of inconsiderate people who fail to clean up after their dog.

An on the spot Fixed Penalty Notice of £100, or a fine upon conviction of up to £1000 may be applied if you allow your dog to foul in a public place and you fail to clean it up straight away. You must also comply with the PSPO as a dog owner.

Always take a bag with you to clear up your dog’s mess. The council provides a number of dog bins for you to dispose of the bags.

Public space protection order (PSPO dog control)

The council recognises that most dog owners who live in and visit the borough are responsible; they keep their dog under control, pick up dog fouling and dispose of it correctly. However, the council does have to deal with complaints each year about stray dogs, irresponsible ownership, and the impact of dog fouling on the public. In response to this we have introduced new powers in the form of a Public Space Protection Order for the control of dogs. 

The order aims to address the following issues in our parks and public spaces:

  • Dog fouling– owners are required to remove dog fouling (usually using a bag) and place it in a suitable bin.

  • Means to pick up. - A person in charge of a dog on land to which this Order applies must have with them an appropriate means to pick up dog faeces deposited by that dog. This new power introduced by the PSPO is the requirement, in public areas, to be able to show, when challenged, that you have suitable means in your possession for cleaning up dog fouling. In practice this means that you would need to be able to show an unused bag to one of our wardens when asked. This power is designed to tackle those dog walkers who have no intention of picking up their dogs fouling.

  • Dogs on leads- it is an offence under the PSPO if the dog is not on a lead where indicated by the PSPO it must be or if elsewhere if directed to do so by a police officer or other authorised officers such as a warden. The areas that apply to the PSPO are clearly marked areas of the Rushcliffe Country Park only which have been in place for several years.

  • Dogs prohibited – young children are inexperienced around unfamiliar dogs, may be afraid of them, and are particularly vulnerable to contamination from dog fouling. To minimize the risk to children, dogs are prohibited from entering or remaining in children’s play areas within parks and open spaces controlled and maintained by Rushcliffe Borough Council and other landowners such as Parish Councils where they have chosen to prohibit dogs entering. These areas will be clearly signed and fenced. Dogs are not prohibited from the park or open space, but it is an offence if the dog enters a children’s play area.

  • Exempt dogs – if you use a recognised assistance dog then you will be exempt from the requirements of the PSPO. Other exemptions apply.

The PSPO came into force on 8 July 2022 by full council approval and may be viewed using the link below

See also the areas of the country park covered by the order.

The council will be looking to address the issues within the PSPO through education and awareness as well as enforcement, and all our wardens wear official council uniform and carry identification.

A breach of the requirements is an offence and will usually be dealt with by way of a Fixed Penalty Notice carrying a fine of £100 or prosecution in the Magistrates Court.

Please see the PSPO Frequently asked Questions for more information.

 

Reporting dog fouling

If you are annoyed by dog fouling then please help us track down the offenders. The Council will take action against offenders, but we need your help because we cannot monitor everywhere all of the time. If you witness an offence please contact us and tell us as much of the following information as possible, such as:

  • The exact location
  • The offender's type of dog
  • Description of the person in charge of dog
  • If possible, their vehicle registration and details
  • If possible, the address of the person committing the offence.

We will try and follow up any information the Council receives.

If you see someone committing a dog fouling offence or need to notify us of dog fouling, call us on 0115 981 9911 or report dog fouling online.

Dog Bins

The Council provide a number of dog bins throughout the Rushcliffe for residents to use. The frequency with which these bins are emptied depends upon their usage. If you notice an overflowing, broken or faulty bin, please complete the dog bin form online or call us on 0115 981 9911.

Dog fouling on public footpaths and playing fields causes many problems. It can get on your shoes and clothes, or in the worse cases it can lead to blindness due to an infection called Toxocariasis caused by the worm Toxocara Canis found in dog faeces.

The Council works hard to reduce the incidence of dog fouling in the borough, but there will always be a small number of inconsiderate people who fail to clean up after their dog.

An on the spot Fixed Penalty Notice of £100, or a fine upon conviction of up to £1000 may be applied if you allow your dog to foul in a public place and you fail to clean it up straight away. You must also comply with the PSPO as a dog owner.

Always take a bag with you to clear up your dog’s mess. The council provides a number of dog bins for you to dispose of the bags.

 

 

Do it online

Documents to download

Useful links

 

Dogs and Other Animals