Dog Fouling – The Risks & The Law
Dog Fouling
Dog fouling anywhere is an environmental nuisance and has the potential to cause harm to people, livestock and wildlife.
Dog fouling is not only deeply unpleasant, it is dangerous. Whilst rare, contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis in humans (children are especially vulnerable) – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures.
Dogs and the law
The Cotswold District Council Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), makes it an offence if you do not remove any poo deposited by your dog. This removal must be done without delay. The Order, made under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, applies to all public, open, land in the District whether or not warning signs are displayed. The PSPO also requires dog walkers to carry the means to pick up dog poo whilst on a walk. Any breach of the Order could result in a £100 fixed penalty notice or being taken to court and receiving a fine on conviction of up to £1000.
The PSPO does not apply to blind or partially-sighted people with guide dogs and those with other trained assistance dogs for specific disabilities.
Dog Fouling & Risk to Livestock & Wildlife
Whilst the risk to people is relatively small, the risk to livestock and wildlife is higher.
The NFU provides the following guidance on the dangers of dog fouling:
- Do not let your dog foul in fields and don’t leave poo bags on the ground or tied to fences
- Dog owners MUST bag and bin their dog’s poo – it carries a parasite called Neospora which causes abortions in farm animals
- Bags left on the ground can be eaten by farm or wild animals and cause a slow, painful death
Dog waste bins are provided through the village but if you don’t pass one on your walk, you should take the poop home and place it in your black bin. If you find a bin is full it can be reported here: https://www.cotswold.gov.uk/environment/litter-street-cleaning-and-dog-fouling/
Livestock Worrying
Another risk to the safety of livestock and dogs is ‘livestock worrying’.
This is a term to describe a dog being loose around farm animals, chasing in a way which might cause injury or suffering or attacking the animal. It is a criminal offence and carries a fine of up to £1000.
Under the law, a farmer has the right to shoot a dog which is worrying livestock and cannot be controlled.
Dog owners are legally obliged to keep their pets under control at all times.
Blue Cross offer the following advice to keep you, your pet and livestock safe.
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/wellbeing-and-care/dogs-and-livestock
Thank you for your co- operation.
Parish Council
