Dog Fouling
Each day dogs produce vast amounts of excrement. Much of this is left on footpaths and playing fields and at best can cover shoes and clothes and at worst can lead to blindness due to an infection called 'Toxocara canis'.
Trafford Borough Council has designated land under The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. The designated land includes all areas open to the public: roads, footpaths, school playing fields, sports fields and parks. It is an offence for a dog owner not to clean up after their dog in these areas.
Dog Wardens patrol Trafford and issue £50 Fixed Penalty Notices to dog owners who fail to comply. Non-payment can result in a prosecution and fine up to £1000. It is no defence to claim ignorance of the dog's actions.
Solutions:
- 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 something to clear up after your dog. A simple plastic bag will do the trick or obtain poop scoops from 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". The Dog Wardens will seize dogs that are straying or unsupervised.
It is every dog owners duty to clean up after their dog.
There are no excuses, fouling is unacceptable!
Who to Contact
Street Scene Services
Bridgewater House
Manchester Road
Carrington
M31 4WS
Email: trafford.direct@trafford.gov.uk
Telephone: 0161 912 2000
Textphone: 0161 912 2102
This page was last updated on 14 April 2008
