Dog Fouling

 
Dog fouling in public places has always been socially unacceptable, but now it is a fineable offence. Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, if you allow your dog to foul, you must clean it up or scoop the poop straight away. Failing to do this will make you liable for an initial fixed penalty of £50. Persistent offenders will be taken to a Magistrates Court and face a fine of up to £1000.          
 
If you wish to take action against a dog owner who has not cleaned up after their dog, you should note what has happened as soon as possible. Include the name and address of the person in charge of the dog, a description of the dog plus details of the date, time and place of the offence. Then contact South Lakeland Direct on 0845 050 4434 to report the complaint, which will then be passed to the Support Services.  The evidence will be considered with a view to prosecuting the offender.
 
If dog fouling occurs at regular times, it may be possible for a dog warden or officer to witness the fouling and take action accordingly.
 
Two leaflets on dealing with dog fouling are available which you can download as below:
 
Download Dog Fouling and the Law in South Lakeland Dog Fouling and the Law in South Lakeland (PDF, 80 Kb)
 
Download SLDC Dog Fouling Designated Areas Order 1998 SLDC Dog Fouling Designated Areas Order 1998 (PDF, 30 Kb)