Dog Fouling and the Law

Introduction

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Following extensive consultation with the Parish Councils and others and having published a notice in a local newspaper, South Cambridgeshire District Council have made an Order which introduces a new national dog fouling law into the District.

This new "poop scoop" law came into force in South Cambridgeshire on 5th May 1998. A person in charge of a dog must clear up straightaway if that dog has defecated in an area where the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 applies. Otherwise, they are contravening the law and could be subject on conviction to a penalty of up to £1000.

Where The Law Applies

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In South Cambridgeshire this law will apply to all land which is open to the air and to which the public is entitled or permitted to have access (with or without payment) EXCEPT: roads and land alongside then with a speed limit of more than 40mph, agricultural land and woodlands, marshland, moor and heath, and rural common land.

In Milton this law applies to all open land in the Parish, including all roads, car parks, pavements and verges within the village and on Fen Road, the river tow path, the Coles Road and Sycamores recreation grounds, Milton Country Park and Tomkins Mead nature reserve, the play areas and other open spaces around the village, the cemetery and churchyards.

The Law in Practice

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If in doubt, you are advised as a dog owner to clear up after your dog when in a public place which is in the open air. The absence of signs does not mean that you do not have to clear up after your dog (although Milton Parish Council have placed signs around the village to remind you. They also intend to install "poop scoop" bins at key locations in the village.

If your dog fouls designated land, it will not be a defence that you were unaware of the offence being committed or that you (or the person in charge) were not present at the time. Not having with you at the time the means to remove the dog waste is not a reasonable excuse.

It is therefore in your interest to always take a "poop scoop" or plastic carrier bag with you when you take your dog for a walk and to clear up after it.

The law does not apply to a registered blind person.

Enforcement

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The District Council and Parish Council have identified problem areas and a Dog Warden patrols those areas.

If you witness what you suspect is an offence, please take a note of the date, time and precise location, the type of dog, and identify the person in charge of the dog and their address. Please send these details to the Dog Warden together with your name and address. This will help the District Council enforce the law and make your village a more pleasant and cleaner place.

Further information

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The Dog Warden will be pleased to provide advice and can be contacted at: