No one likes putting their foot in it!
Dog fouling, or dog mess, is a nuisance, unsightly, unpleasant and can spread diseases to other animals and humans, especially to young children. Dog owners, and dog walkers, have a responsibility to clean up after their dog in public places. Failing to do so can result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75.
If your dog fouls in a public place, the Dog Control Order 2009 and the Fouling of Land by Dogs (District of Stratford-on-Avon) Order 2009 require you to clean up the mess. Always carry a poop scoop and/or a plastic bag to carry your dog's mess to a dog mess bin; if there isn't a dog mess bin, please take it home and dispose of it in your grey or black (household waste) bin. Please note that dog mess should not be put in your green (garden waste) or blue (recycling) bins.
The law regarding dog fouling is enforced by the District Council's Dog Warden. The Dog Warden may issue a formal warning or a £75 Fixed Penalty Notice to a dog owner who fails to 'pick up' after their dog, based on the assurance that a complainant has witnessed the event. Complaints are handled discreetly: the complainant need not be identified except in the unlikely event that the offender refuses to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice, and is then summoned to appear before magistrates, who may impose a penalty of up to £1,000.
In The Wolfords, at least one irresponsible dog-owner has received a Fixed Penalty Notice, whilst two others have received formal warning notices.
To report dog fouling, a stray dog or other dog-related incident, contact the Dog Warden on 01789 260835, email envhealth@stratford-dc.gov.uk or submit a report online.