Dog Fouling: Guidance
We want everyone to be able to enjoy Gloucester’s open spaces and to walk in our streets without fear of treading in dog waste.
Dog fouling is not only deeply unpleasant, it is dangerous.
Whilst rare, contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis, a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures.
Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 1995 it is your responsibility to clean up after a dog you are walking, whether a bin is available to deposit the waste in or not.
You can use a dog or litter bin to dispose of the waste. If there is no bin available in the immediate area please take it home and dispose of it. It is not acceptable to leave bagged dog waste hanging in a nearby tree, this is an offence.
Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100. If the case goes to court this could cost the owner or person in charge of the animal up to £1,000. The law states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse.