Dog Fouling
Cheshire West and Chester Council, as a local authority, have now implemented actions to deal with dog fouling issues.
The Dogs(Fouling of Land) Act 1996 allows local authorities to designate any public land as poop scoop areas where dog owners must clean up after their pets.
Under the Dogs(Fouling of Land) Act 1996, failure to clean up dog fouling is an offence subject to a maximum fine of £1,000. Local authorities can also give offenders the option of paying a fixed penalty fine of £50 rather than go to court. Dog Wardens and Cheshire West and Chester Council Community Enforcement Team which includes staff from Streetscene, Community Safety Wardens and Parking Officers, are all able to issue fixed penalties for dog fouling offences.
WHAT CAN INDIVIDUALS DO?
To take action against a dog owner who has not cleaned up after their dog – note the details of the offence as soon as possible. Details should include name and address of the person in charge of the dog (if known), a description of the dog, plus details of the date, time and place. Contact the Community Enforcement Team by the following method:-
Report Dog Owners who do not pick up after their animal.
Contact the Community Enforcement Team on:- 0300 123 7033
Get it cleaned up!
If your area needs to be cleansed of dog fouling call Streetscene on: 0300 123 7026
Complete an ‘Animal Fouling Report Form’ on-line at:
www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Call the Dog Warden Service on:
0300 123 8123:
www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
What is the best way to clean up after a dog?
If you walk your dog always carry the means to clear up after your dog fouls. Community Safety Wardens do on a regular basis ‘Challenge’ dog owners to see if they have bags on them – we will then supply the dog owner with some bags and advise them how to obtain them through the local authority. Every time your dog fouls, ‘bag it and bin it’. Bag the dog foul and either take it home or place it in a dog or litter bin.
Pooper scoops can also be used and are available from most pet stores.
