Dog and animal fouling
We are responsible for ensuring our roads, pavements and public land are kept as clean as possible.
What we do
When we receive a report, we will aim to clear the area within the next 24 hours during the working week, Monday to Friday.
If we have enough information about the person responsible we will try to identify them.
If you have seen anyone who has failed to pick up after their dog, please ensure to make a note of the following if possible:
- the day, date and time
- what you have seen
- the location
- any information about the dog (breed, colour etc.)
How you can help
It is important to clean up after your dog:
- always carry bags to clear up after them or get a poop scoop from a local pet shop
- dispose of the bag correctly by either using a dog waste or litter bin or taking it home and placing it in your own bin
- not dump the bag in a hedge or elsewhere as this is littering which carries the same penalty as dog fouling
- encourage the dog to use your garden
- never let your dog out alone to
- always worm your dog regularly, vets normally advise worming dogs every three to four months
It is every dog owners duty to clean up after their dog. There are no excuses, fouling is unacceptable.
You can use any bin to dispose of dog waste. If they are full please let us know.
Pink Poo campaign
The aim of a Pink Poo campaign is for local communities to highlight exactly how bad the problem of dog fouling is in a particular area and to embarrass irresponsible dog owners by spraying sighted incidents of dog fouling with pink paint. If everyone can see how bad the problem is then dog owners should be encouraged to pick up the poo and not leave it behind in the future.
The law
The Cheshire West and Chester Council (Fouling of Land by Dogs)(General) Order 2017 makes it an offence not to remove any faeces deposited by your dog. This removal must be done without delay. The Order applies to all open air areas in the borough and where the public have access, even if warning signs are not displayed.
The exception to this is Forestry Commission land or other land where the owner has given permission that faeces needs not be removed. The Order does not apply to people who are blind and those with other trained assistance dogs for specific disabilities.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of £1,000. You may be given the option of paying a £80 fixed penalty notice if paid within 14 days or £50 if paid within 7 days. If a fixed penalty notice is accepted you also avoid a subsequent criminal record, if found guilty.
Health
Apart from the legal consequences of dog fouling, there are health implications.
- symptoms vary but, in severe cases, partial or total loss of sight may occur or Toxocariasis which is caused by worm eggs being ingested.
- getting dog mess into wounds may also cause infections.
- children should be taught basic hygiene and not to let dogs lick their faces.
There is also the danger of people being injured by slipping on dog mess.
I've already reported an issue
You can check the progress of the report using our status checker. You can also use this to provide an update.