The British dog population is estimated to be around 7 million, producing 1000 tonnes of excrement per day. Dog faeces can cause toxocariasis (which can lead to serious illness and blindness), food poisoning and other diseases.
A Tidy Britain Group survey found that 80% of people questioned were "greatly concerned by dog mess".
Local surveys have confirmed that residents want the problem of dog fouling tackled by the Council.
Doncaster Council has adopted the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act, 1996 to control dog fouling in public places and to encourage responsible dog ownership.
The Doncaster Order came into force on 1st November 1999. Our Dog Wardens will attempt to educate dog owners to clear up after their dogs.
If persuasion does not work, habitual offenders will be investigated and prosecuted.
Fixed penalty fines of £50 can be imposed on anyone not picking up immediately after a dog in their control had fouled in most public areas.
Offenders can also be taken to taken to court for not paying their fixed penalty, or being uncooperative when approached. Magistrates can impose a fine of up to £1,000, and award costs to the Council.
These include:
The offence is the failure of a person in charge of a dog to clear up its faeces "forthwith" after it has fouled on designated land.
Two important things to note:
The maximum fine for an offence is £1000.
There is no requirement to do this. However the Council has purchased a limited number of signs as part of its promotional campaign to inform the public of the new legislation. Additional signs will be purchased as and when funds permit.
There is no requirement to do this and because of the high costs involved, it is not envisaged that special bins will be provided. However, in a few high profile areas such as certain parks, bins have already been provided.
Dogs should never be allowed out in public areas unsupervised - the Council's Dog Wardens are empowered to seize and detain any stray dogs which will only be returned to their owners following the payment of all penalties/costs which are levied.
Responsible dog owners do not allow their dogs to foul public places.
Ideally dogs should be trained from an early age to "go at home" in their own garden before or after a walk rather than during.
If dog fouling occurs away from home, the person in charge of the dog must clean up after the dog. Any suitable plastic bag will do. The bagged faeces can be deposited in the nearest litter bin or taken home for disposal.
If you wish to take action against someone 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, the circumstances, date, time and place of the offence.
Clearly describe the place being fouled to clarify that it is covered by the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 and provide the other information previously stated.
In the first instance, the offender may be warned and this may be sufficient to deter further offences.
If fouling occurs at regular times, it may be possible for a Dog Warden or officer to witness the fouling and take action accordingly.
Alternatively, you can ring the Customer Services Hotline on 01302 736000 or complete this online form to report any dog fouling within your community that you believe requires our attention:
Dog Fouling Online Report Form
You can speak directly to an Officer as they go about their work in your neighbourhood. Simply stop one of the team - they wear a distinctive Council uniform, a red top with the council crest displayed on the front.
Call us on : (01302) 736000
Or email us : customer.services@doncaster.gov.uk
Simply place a bag over the dog faeces and lift it whilst pulling the bag downwards with your other hand.
Tie a knot in the bag and dispose of it in a litter bin or take it home for disposal.
Pedigree Pet Foods
M.B.O. Education Centre
Masterfood Resource Team
Tel: (020) 7255 1100
Fax: (020) 7255 5454
Pet Advisory Committee
1 Bedford Avenue, London
WC1B 3AU
Tel: (020) 7255 5489
Fax: (020) 7255 5454
Pet Health Council
1 Bedford Avenue, London
WC1B 3AU
Tel: (020) 7255 5408
Fax: (020) 7255 5454
Good Dog Campaign
1 Bedford Avenue, London
WC1B 3AU
Tel: (020) 7255 1100
Fax: (020) 7255 5454
