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Dog fouling

Dog fouling is both unpleasant and a danger to health, and we are committed to tackling it in all public places.

While the majority of owners behave responsibly and pick up after their dogs, there remains a minority of dog owners who do not. We aim to target this through our enforcement and awareness initiatives. 

If you walk your dog, always carry the means to clear up after your pet. A simple plastic bag will do the trick, or buy poop scoops from a local pet shop.

Dispose of the bag correctly in either a dog waste or litter bin, or take it home and place it, suitably wrapped, in your own waste bin. Do not dump the bag in a hedge or elsewhere as this is littering which carries the same penalty as dog fouling.

Always clean up after your dog and worm your dog regularly. Vets normally advise worming dogs every three to four months. Children should also be taught basic hygiene with their pets and to not let dogs lick their faces.

Public Spaces Protection Orders

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are powers that are available to us to deal with persistent and unreasonable nuisances and anti-social behaviour.

They intend to help ensure that the public can use and enjoy public spaces, and can help to make West Northamptonshire a better and safer place to live, work and enjoy.

Find out about PSPOs relating to dog fouling in West Northamptonshire.

Reporting dog fouling

The assistance of the public is crucial to our efforts to tackle dog fouling. 

It is helpful to our officers if when reporting dog fouling you are able to include the following information:

  • time, date and location of incident
  • frequency of the offence, if it happens regularly
  • description/breed of the dog
  • any other descriptions to help identify the offender, including their name and address if known

Last updated 07 February 2024