Shropshire Council says “Bag It, Tie It, Bin It” to dog fouling

People across Shropshire are being reminded to properly dispose of their dog’s waste – or risk being fined.  Simply bagging any waste and dropping it into a dog waste bin, a litter bin or the domestic waste bin is all that is needed.

Dog mess on pavements, streets and grassed areas presents both a health risk and public nuisance.  People tread in it, parents push buggies through it and it is walked into houses, schools and businesses.

Not only is dog fouling filthy, it is a health risk because it can carry roundworm parasites called Toxocara.  In humans, this can result in the condition Toxocariasis.  Symptoms vary, depending on where the infection occurs in the body.  In severe cases, blindness can result.

The parasite is spread by direct contact – making children, people who maintain grass, and sports players, particularly high at risk of contracting Toxocara.

Shropshire Council has officers who have been specially trained to respond to people’s calls for tougher enforcement on environmental crime, and patrols are regularly undertaken across the county.

Locations reported to be hotspots are targeted to make the most of all the intelligence provided by the public.  Streetscene officers speak directly to dog walkers and other users to highlight concerns and responsibilities.  Leaflets are also offered asking for help to report incidents, provide sources of further information, and to spread the message to ‘Bag it, Tie it, Bin it’.  Bagged dog fouling can be placed in any public litter bin.

Streetscene officers can issue environmental crime reports on-the-spot to people who do not clean up after their dog.  When all the evidence is reviewed this can lead to an £80 fixed penalty notice.  In severe or repeated cases, prosecution can be pursued in the Magistrates Court.

Formal warning letters or fixed penalty notices can also be issued when any member of the public is prepared to supply a legally-binding witness statement to Shropshire Council detailing a recent, specific incident.

Ignorance of the incident is no defence.  People who ignore their dogs, on or off the lead, or let them foul whilst roaming unaccompanied are still liable.  People who leave bagged dog fouling littering the ground and hedges are also guilty of an offence under the Clean Neighbourhoods legislation.

Those who have information about particular problem areas, times of day when fouling occurs, or know of individuals who fail to clean up after their dogs, are encouraged to let the council know by calling 0345 678 9006 or alternatively report it online at shropshire.gov.uk/environmentmaintenance.nsf.   They will use this intelligence to target those problem areas and times or contact those people directly.

Fixed Penalty Notice

The Fixed Penalty Notice charge is currently set at £80, with a reduced fine of £50 if it is paid within 14 days.  By paying the penalty charge, the person discharges their liability to prosecution.  If payment is not made, prosecution in the Magistrates Court is pursued where higher fines are enforced.