Only 14 fined for fouling in last five years
Prosecution for offence ‘can be difficult’
JUST 14 fines have been issued for dog fouling in the Staffordshire Moorlands in the last five years.
Kennelstore has conducted Freedom of Information requests for every local district throughout the UK regarding dog fouling fines over the last five years.
The data-led study detailing the areas of the UK with the highest deposits of dog waste on the streets, and the most vigilant councils that are trying to tackle the issue.
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council topped the list with 445 fines.
In the Staffordshire Moorlands figures show there was one fine issued in 2017; three in 2018; six in 2019; three in 2020 and one in 2021.
Councillor Mike Bowen, who has the responsibility for communities on Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said dog fouling was a big issue.
He said: “The main problem is that prosecution can prove very difficult. People say that it is not their dog or that they were going back to clean it up later. There are a lot of pitfalls.
“We also have one dog warden for the area, who can’t be everywhere at the same time.
“Evidence has to be obtained by pictures, if they are seen letting their dog foul, by a council officer.
“There are lots of responsible dog owners and many do pick up their mess. We need more dog wardens and help from the public.”
Neil Hutchinson from Kennelstore said, “We’ve conducted the study because we know that the biggest annoyance regarding dogs in the UK is dog fouling.
“The UK is a nation of dog lovers, and with data reporting that there are an estimated 12.9 million dogs across Britain, there’s no denying that we are a country of canine companions.
“But when it comes to walking your dog, Kennelstore wanted to see which councils in the UK are the most vigilant for fining people for their dogs defecating on the pavements.
“Dog fouling is illegal in the UK and the law states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse, and could result in dog walkers being penalised.
“Not only this, but it is extremely dangerous as contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures.”
“When investigating fine procedures in each district council, we discovered some councils do not implement fines, and alternatively they offer education as to why not picking up dog excrement is dangerous and the importance of keeping our streets clean.”