We recognise that most dog owners are responsible and clean up after their pets, but a minority continue to cause a problem. The following information covers the law around dog fouling and what the Dog Warden Service can do about this unpleasant issue.
You should always pick waste up and put it in the nearest litter bin.
Under the the Litter (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 it is an offence for the person in charge of a dog to not clean up when the dog fouls in a public place.
This law applies even if the dog is out alone. The ‘person in charge’ is whoever has the dog at the time, not necessarily the owner. Any person causing an offence will be liable to an on the spot fixed penalty fine of £50 or a fine of £500 on summary conviction.
How should I clean up after my dog?
You should:
- carry a plastic bag or ‘poop scoop’ with you
- clean up every time your dog fouls
- teach your dog to go to the toilet in your garden before you leave the house
- never let your dog onto the street to foul
- use special ‘dog toilet areas’ in parks if they are provided
- respect dog-free areas.
Dog Fouling – the risks
- Dog faeces look and smell unpleasant and this alone may make you feel nauseous
- Toxocariasis – toxocara infection can only occur if the faeces contains viable eggs which are then ingested. There is no threat from fresh faeces as it takes 2-3 weeks for the eggs to become viable. The risk is also reduced if the dog is wormed regularly (quarterly is recommended). Flies and wasps may carry these eggs onto food if they have previously landed on faeces. Eggs remain viable for up to two years and may be found on soil or grass where faeces have disintegrated. Extra care should be taken when handling puppies as these can be heavily infected.
- Food poisoning – a number of common food poisoning bacteria can be present in fresh dog faeces. These include Campylobacter which is the most common cause of diarrhoea in the UK. Salmonella, E.Coli., Giardiasis and Cryptosporidiosis can also be caught from dog faeces.
Dog Fouling – common sense precautions
If you are a dog owner, worm your dog on a regular basis. When you clean up dog faeces, use a suitable carrier to clear the mess without touching it. As a precaution, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after clearing up, and before you eat.
Do not let faeces accumulate in your garden as the smell will be very unpleasant and the faeces will attract flies, which may then transfer the bacteria to other surfaces. If you do need to remove faeces from clothes, shoes or other surfaces, scrape as much off as possible and dispose of it carefully, then wash the surface thoroughly with hot soapy water.
When out and about eg in your local park, make sure children wash their hands properly before they eat and don’t let them play on the ground while they are eating.
Carry antibacterial wipes or gel with you if you think washing facilities may not be available.
If children do get faeces on their hands, don’t panic, just wash them with hot, soapy water as soon as possible and always before eating.
So what do we have to do?
If your dog fouls, you must clean up afterwards.
Where does the law apply?
The law applies almost everywhere once you are outside your own garden. It covers parks, footpaths, open spaces, verges, alleyways, playing fields and so on.
How do we know? There are not always signs up?
There are now many signs up, however, the law applies virtually everywhere (except your own garden).
What happens if I don’t clean up after my dog?
We have fixed penalty on-the-spot notices of £50, but the maximum fine is £500. There are enforcement officers patrolling the District from time to time to carry out the enforcement of the law. We are also relying on other residents to let us know if someone doesn’t clean up after their dog. If you see someone, make a note of the time, place and description of dog and owner – and report them.
What if there are no bins?
Then carry the dog mess either to the nearest bin, or take it home to put it in your bin.
But I don’t have a bag to wrap it in?
You need to be prepared each time you take your dog out. Take a bag with you and use it to remove your dog’s mess.
Are you expecting me to pick up dog mess? It’s disgusting!
Yes, you must pick it up every time. It’s a responsibility that comes with dog ownership.
If it’s dangerous, I’m not going to pick it up!
It’s not dangerous if you clean up correctly.
How do I make a complaint about dog fouling?
To report a dog fouling problem in your area contact the Environmental Health Department on 028 3752 9626 or email ehealth@armagh.gov.uk and the relevant area will then be patrolled and anti-fouling signs erected if necessary.
