Dog Fouling
The Law on Dog Fouling
Dog fouling sign on lampostThe provisions of The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 were formally adopted by the Council on 1 May 2002, which makes it an offence for dog owners not to remove their dog’s faeces from land to which the Act applies. Such areas of land includes: Footpaths, Grass Verges, Parks, Playing Fields and Open Spaces which are owned or maintained by the Council. Private land is not included.
Anyone found contravening the Act can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75.00. Regular offenders or those failing to pay a fixed penalty will be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.
We investigate complaints and carry out surveillance in order to prevent dog fouling in the Torfaen area. This is something that local residents and Councillors tell us are important to them, so we are looking to increase our levels of enforcement.
If you are bothered by dog fouling in your area, we can put up signs and notices as well as carrying out surveillance work.
Being a Responsible Dog Owner
Anyone walking their dog should ensure that they have bags or some other method of picking up dog mess with them, and bins are provided for dog mess in most of Torfaen’s parks etc.
The current fine for allowing your dog to foul is £75
Getting Further Information
In order to raise awareness of the Council’s new powers and to promote responsible dog ownership the "Being A Responsible Dog Owner|" booklet has been produced. These booklets are being distributed throughout the Borough and are available from council offices, libraries, leisure centres or by calling the Animal Warden Service on 01633 647621/22.
Contacting us
If you have lost a dog in the Torfaen area, you should contact our Animal and Pest Control Service on 01633 647621/22, or alternatively you can visit the contact us| page for more information.
Our Fees
The current fine for allowing your dog to foul is £75.