Dog Fouling

Description of Service

Swindon Borough Council has adopted the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 and rigorously enforces its provisions.

This law requires dog owners to clear up after their pets and to dispose of their dog’s faeces in an appropriate manner. Failure to do this in any area that the law applies is an offence. Offenders will be issued with a fixed penalty ticket (currently £50). Should this fine not be paid, or if the offences are persistent, we may prosecute the offender. The maximum penalty is £1,000.

Areas of land that are covered by this legislation are:

• Pavements
• Backways
• Playing fields and play areas (including school playing fields)
• Parks and recreation grounds
• Grass verges
• Grassed areas in residential areas

Service Levels

We will follow up on reports of dog fouling where the owner is not cleaning up after their pet. We can patrol the area in question and affix warning stickers as weather allows.

If you are able to identify a specific person who habitually allows a dog to foul and does not clear it up, we can send them a warning letter.

Please Note:

• If you report a case of habitual dog fouling, it is important that you provide your personal details ... we cannot take direct action on anonymous complaints. All personal information you provide is kept confidential in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.

• In order to take formal action, it is essential that faeces are seen leaving the animal as bitches generally squat to urinate, which does not constitute an offence.

Report a Problem

You can report a problem to us in a number of ways:

• Use our online reporting facility. To use this, please follow the link to Report - Dog Fouling.
• By telephone to the StreetSmart Team at the Swindon Direct Contact Centre on 01793 445501. For details of the Contact Centre opening hours, please visit the Swindon Direct web page.
• In person, by visiting the Swindon Direct One-stop-shop. For details of the address and opening hours, please visit the Swindon Direct web page.