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Dog Fouling

Dog fouling is a serious issue.  Complaints will be investigated, offenders will be prosecuted.  

• Fixed Penalty Notices  
• Why should I clean up after my dog? 
• What’s the best way to clear up? 
• What do I do if I see someone not clearing up after their dog? 
• Dog Bins 

Fixed Penalties for Dog Fouling 

From 01 December 2008 we will be using new powers to issue fixed penalty notices for a number of environmental crimes, these include offences such as littering and dog fouling.

You can view a copy of the new Dog Fouling Order here which came into force on 01 December 2008.  This will repeal the existing Cotswold District Council powers for dog fouling.  The new order means that if a dog fouls on a highway, footway, footpath or adjoining verges (that are maintained at the public expense), pedestrianised areas or open spaces owned by Cotswold DC, Gloucestershire County Council, a Town or Parish Council or social landlord, or in a cemetery,  burial ground or churchyard, the dog mess must be disposed of properly.  If the dog mess is not disposed of properly then officers at CDC can issue a fixed penalty notice for £75 or refer the matter for prosecution in the courts where the fine could be £1000.

Over the next month the Council’s Environmental Wardens will be undertaking patrols to ensure any litter or dog faeces is picked up and disposed of properly.  If a member of the public refuses or continues to cause an offence then a fixed penalty notice may be issued.

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Why should I clean up after my dog?

• Under the Dog Fouling Order 2008 it is an offence not to clear up after your dog if it fouls a public place. The fine can be up to £1000.
• It is unpleasant for other members of the public.
• Dog mess can cause illness. One disease, Toxocariasis can cause blindness, especially in children.

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What’s the best way to clear up?

“Bag it and Bin it!”

• Use a plastic bag to pick up the faeces, a "poop scoop" bag  (carrier bags or nappy sacks are good too!)
• Put it in one of the designated dog bins or double bag it and put it in a normal litter bin or take it home, double bag it and put in with refuse.  Remember to wash your hands as soon as possible.

Free Poop-Scoops!

Currently a limited number of biodegradable poop-scoop bags are supplied free of charge from the council offices in Trinity Road, Cirencester and Moreton-in-Marsh, tourist information centres.

Here are suggestions for other things that you could use to clean up after your dog:

• Bread bags
• Fruit/vegetable bags
• Nappy sacks
• Any plastic bag

Recycle, re-use where you can.  Train your dog to go at home.  Whatever you use :

• Bag it
• Tie it 
• Bin it.

Treat your dog for worms regularly.  Keep cleaning up!

Better still train your dog to foul at home before you walk it.

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What do I do if I see someone not clearing up after their dog?

• Make a note of the time, date and place it happened. If possible, find out the person's name and address.
• Contact us or report it to us using the online dog fouling report from.
• If you want to give a statement, the Council can issue a fixed penalty and take prosecution proceedings with you as the witness if the fine is not paid.
• However, if you don’t want to give a statement, the complaint will still be followed up.

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Dog Bins

Nearly 300 dog waste bins have been installed throughout the district - please use them.  If there isn't one near by where you walk your dog, double bag the waste and dispose of it at home or you could put it in a litter bin.

Do not throw dog waste bags into hedges this is littering and a fixed penalty fine can be issued to an offender; it is also unsightly and can cause harm to other animals.

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