DOG FOULING - £1000 FINE

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.

(Fouling of Land Act1996). The Doncaster Order came into force on November 1st 1999. The breaking of this order could result in a £1000 fine. The Parish Council would like to thank all responsible dog owners who do "clean up" after their dog.

IS DOG FOULING A PROBLEM? The British dog population is estimated to be around 6.8 million, producing 900 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.

WHAT IS THE ACTUAL OFFENCE? 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.

NOTE:- A person in charge may not always be the owner.

The faeces must be cleared up straight away. It is no defence to say that you were going to return to clear it up.

WHAT IS DESIGNATED LAND?

• All highways in the Borough where the speed limit is 40 mph or less including associated verges etc.
• Footpaths, bridleways and carriageways whether adopted or unadopted and land running alongside them.
• Land owned or managed by Doncaster Borough Council, Parish and Town Councils within the geographical boundary of Doncaster as defined in the list and maps accompanying the Doncaster Borough Dogs (Fouling of Land) Order. These include:

WHAT SHOULD DOG OWNERS DO?
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 dog litter bin or taken home for disposal.

WHAT ACTION CAN I TAKE ABOUT A DOG FOULING OFFENCE?
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 witnes fouling and take action accordingly.

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