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North Ayrshire Council

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Dog Fouling

Whether you walk your dog in a local park, in the town, along the coast or out in the countryside you need to make sure you always do so responsibly and help combat the problem of dog fouling.

 

You can use our online facility to report dog fouling, report dog bin full or request a dog bin

 

It is an offence for anyone responsible for a dog, not to remove and appropriately dispose of any faeces after the animal has fouled. This includes pavements, footpaths, roads, parks, recreational pitches, cycle ways, communal land, back greens, stair closes and any open land that the public has access to.

 

Any fouling should be picked up and disposed in the nearest litter bin or placed in your domestic waste at home.

 

We have a number of dog bins across North Ayrshire and we actively encourage dog owners (PDF 1.4Mb) to act responsibly and dispose of their dog waste in the bins provided.

 

There are exceptions to this offence such as guide dogs for the blind, infirm people, working dogs etc.

Why can dog faeces be dangerous?
Dog faeces can contain Toxicara which is a serious infection that can cause blindness and liver disorder in humans.

Who is responsible for prosecuting members of the public who allow their dogs to foul public places?
The Police and Authorised Council Officers can prosecute people who allow their dogs to foul public places.

Who is exempt from being prosecuted for allowing their dog to foul a public place?
There are a number of exemptions to the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003, including: a blind person in charge of a dog that is being used for that persons guidance; a person in charge of a working dog being used for the tending or driving of sheep or cattle; the armed forces, customs and excise or the police force are also exempt but only when the dogs are working; and some disabled persons There is no specific exemption for partially sighted people, the elderly or the infirm.

Where can I get dog fouling bags?
You can get bags from any library, community centre and council offices

What measures are in place to combat dog fouling?
We operate a number of patrols throughout North Ayrshire. We also promote our 'Paws for Thought' Campaign which encourages responsible dog ownership. We work in partnership with Community and Voluntary Groups to raise awareness and educate the public on dog fouling.

If someone is prosecuted, for allowing their dog to foul a public place, how much can they be fined?
People who allow their dogs to foul public places will receive a fixed penalty of 40, rising to 60 if not paid within 28 days. If the matter goes to court, any person found guilty is liable on conviction to a fine of any amount up to 500.

I want to report someone for continually allowing their dog to foul in my street, outside my house, on the grass area beside my house?
You can contact our Contact Centre or complete the on-line Contact Us service. You do not have to leave your details however if you do please be assures that it will be dealt with in confidence.

How do I request a dog fouling bin?
Please call our Contact Centre or alternatively you can complete a Contact Us form on-line.

Can under-16s be prosecuted for allowing a dog in their care to foul a public place?
Yes, children can be prosecuted for allowing a dog in their care to foul a public place, as the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 does not contain any exemption from the offence for children under the age of 16.

Can Cleansing impose fines?
The penalty for this offence is £40. If there has been no dispute over the issue of the penalty and no request for a hearing has been made after 28 days then the penalty increases to £60. Once the amount has increased, the case is then referred back to the Council to await payment.

Can a dog fouling bin be sited outside my house, at an open space, on a grassy area etc?
Each request is assessed individually. Following this we would inform you of our decision.

Are there any campaigns in place to encourage householders to carry dog bags?
We are also heavily involved with Keep Scotland Beautiful (http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/) who promote campaigns such as 'National Poop Scoop Week'.


Am I still liable to prosecution for allowing a dog to foul a public place if it isn't my dog?
Yes, you are still liable. The Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 Act places responsibility to clear up any waste on the person in charge of the dog. This need not be the dog's owner. If you are caught allowing a dog to foul and not removing the waste you are liable for the offence regardless of who actually owns the dog.