Dog (Fouling of Land) Act 1996
- Where can I view a full version of the Act?
- Is dog fouling an offence?
- What is the offence?
- What are desginated areas?
- Dog Owners - What should you do!
- When does the offence not apply?
- What to do if you see an offence?
- What action will be taken against offenders?
- Other Useful links
Where can I view a full version of the Act?
A full version of the Act can be viewed at HMSO 
Is dog fouling an offence?
Under legislation - Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 - Warrington Borough Council has designated land upon which it is an offence not to clean up after your dog. The designation applies to all land in Warrington open to the air and where the general public have legal access except:
- Carriageways with a speed limit of more than 40mph and land running alongside them
- Land used for agriculture or woodland
- Land which is predominantly marshland moor or heath
- Rural common land
What is the offence?
Any person in charge of a dog who does not clear up forthwith after the dog when fouling in a "designated area".
Should you allow your dog to stray and it fouls within a designated area, you are still required to clear up.
What are designated areas?
- Parks and recreation grounds
- Children's playgrounds and sports grounds
- Picnic sites
- Pedestrianised areas and pavements
- Verges and footpaths
- Gutters and carriageways
DOG OWNERS - WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- Ensure you take scoop-bags with you when taking your dog for a walk
- If someone else takes your dog out for you give them some scoop-bags so they can clear up to - remember they can also be fined for an offence while in charge of your dog
When does the offence not apply?
If a person in charge of the dog is a registered blind person. The offence also does not apply if the owner/occupier of the land agrees that clearing up is not necessary.
What to do if you see an offence?
Dog fouling problems can be reported to Warrington Borough Council Customer Care on 01925 443000 or you can complete our online reporting form.
What action will be taken against offenders?
The Council has the power to issue a £50 Fixed Penalty Fine, the maximum fine for an offence is £1000 if the case goes to court. Enforcement Officers operate this fixed penalty system and can issue fixed penalty notices to dog owners who fail to clean up after their dogs when an offence is observed.
Other Useful Links :
