Risks Posed by Dog Fouling

There are various problems, apart from the legal consequences, that may be caused by dog owners who don't clean up after their dogs.

The main danger is Toxocariasis which is caused by worm eggs being ingested. Young children are more at risk from this as they may put their fingers in their mouths or eat sweets etc. after handling dogs or falling in areas where dogs have fouled. The eggs can still infect after laying dormant in the ground for 12 months or so.

This is why the faeces should be removed straight away. The symptoms vary but, in severe cases, partial or total loss of sight may occur. The ingested worm eggs turn into larvae in the body and travel around the system causing various problems. Getting dog mess into wounds may cause infections but not Toxocariasis.   Another danger that isn't often mentioned is people being injured by slipping on dog mess. I know of incidents where people have broken limbs in this way.

The message is: always clean up after your dog and worm your dog regularly.

Vets normally advise worming dogs every 3-4 months.

Also children should be taught basic hygiene and to not let dogs lick their faces.

The Law

The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 currently applies to the whole of the Chester district . This makes it an offence not to remove, straight away, any faeces deposited by your dog where the Act is in force. It applies to all land open to the air that has public access, whether or not warning signs are displayed. There are exceptions such as carriageways and adjacent footpaths where the speed limit is over 40mph and woodland and some types of common or agricultural land. Also a blind person with a guide dog is exempt.

This offence carries a maximum penalty of £1,000. An offender may be given the option of paying a £50 fixed penalty notice within 14 days to avoid prosecution and a subsequent criminal record, if found guilty.

It is important when cleaning up after your dog to dispose of the poop-scoop bag correctly by either using a dog waste bin or taking it home and placing it, suitably wrapped, in your own refuse bin. Do not dump the bag in a hedge or elsewhere as this is littering which carries the same penalty as dog fouling.

Chester City Council provide, free of charge, small quantities of bio-degradable poop-scoop bags to dog owners who call into main reception at the Forum offices.  These are also available from several dog bag outlets in the community.

• if you have a garden encourage the dog to 'go' there. You can then bury the mess or alternatively clean it up and bin it.
• if you walk your dog always carry the means to clear up after your dog. A simple plastic bag will do the trick or obtain poop scoops from the Council or a local pet shop. Remember to take a bag or poop scoop like you'd remember a lead.
• every time your dog fouls "bag it and bin it". Take the poop scoop home and dispose of it there. Remember Rain does not wash the problem away.
• never let your dog out alone to "go to the loo".

It is every dog owners duty to clean up after their dog.

There are no excuses, fouling is unacceptable!

Please be a responsible owner.  You can report incidents of dog fouling using the Dog Fouling Online Form .