Dog fouling

Policy: PAC believes that it is the responsibility of every person who owns or is in charge of a dog to ensure that the dog does not foul.  PAC therefore welcomes the ability of local authorities to introduce Dog Control Orders, made under the authority of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, to make fouling an offence in any urban area.

Background:  Surveys of the general public about their attitude to dogs consistently place fouling high on the list of their concerns.  It is the responsibility of the person in charge of the dog to ensure they are properly prepared with something to ‘scoop the poop’ and that they actually do so.

However it is also important that any Dog Control Orders on fouling are properly enforced by local authority officers and that the authorities provide adequate bins for responsible people to dispose of their dog’s faeces.  Lack of enforcement and facilities simply encourages irresponsible owners to continue to allow their dogs to foul.