Dog fouling incidents on the rise in Torridge

Torridge District Council has reported that the number of complaints regarding dog fouling are up by 22 per cent in the last twelve months.  The Council received 90 complaints in 2024/5 compared to 74 in 2023/4.

Failure to pick up dog mess occurs district-wide and is a serious problem. Dog mess is an eyesore and poses a risk to human health as well as other dogs.

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, Torridge has a district-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to dogs.  It is an offence for a person in charge of a dog not to clear up immediately after their dog has fouled on public land. The PSPO covers land open to the air and to which the public are entitled or permitted access.

Torridge District Council's Neighbourhood Officers carry out regular patrols of the district and are authorised to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for offences such as dog fouling and littering. Fixed Penalty Notices, carry a fine of £100, and have been issued where irresponsible dog owners fail to pick up dog mess. Additionally, leaving bagged dog poo in a public place is a littering offence.

Fixed Penalty Notices can also be issued by an authorised officer where members of the public witness a fouling offence and are willing to provide a statement as well as attend court if required. Repeat offenders will be liable to a court prosecution and subject to a fine of up to £1000 if found guilty.

Staci Dorey, Head of Legal and Governance and Monitoring Officer, Torridge District Council, said:

"Whilst our Neighbourhood Officers report that the vast majority of dog owners they encounter are responsible and carry dog poo bags, it appears that a small minority of dog owners fail to pick up after their dog. This inconsiderate minority not only cause a substantial public nuisance but tarnish all other dog owners by their behaviour.

"Dog waste is not only unsightly and unpleasant, but it can also be harmful to people, animals and local environments.  We would encourage anyone who witnesses a dog fouling offence, to report it to Torridge District Council at www.torridge.gov.uk/report."

May 25