Nuisance Caused by Dogs

Fouling
Dogs under the control of considerate dog owners have always been and will continue to be welcome in Surrey Heath's parks and open spaces. However, the problem of dog fouling in public places is now becoming a major concern for many people.

The Problems

• More than 250,000 tonnes of dog faeces are deposited in the country each year.
• If left in parks and open spaces, this can be both unpleasant and a health hazard.
• Dog mess may cause problems to users of parks, play areas and sports grounds.
• Faeces can carry and transmit disease to children particularly toxocariasis which can cause blindness.

The Answer
Surrey Heath Borough Council has adopted the provisions of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. This requires that anyone in control of a dog must clean up immediately after their dog fouls on any land which is open to the air and to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access. A copy of the designation order showing land designated for the purposes of this act may be viewed at the Council Offices, Camberley.

Failure to clean up after your dog is an offence. Anyone seen allowing their dog to foul and not cleaning up after, may be prosecuted. The penalty for non compliance with Order is a fine of up to £1,000.

• View information about Environmental Crime Fixed Penalty Notices

Surrey Heath Borough Council have installed a number of dog bins throughout the Borough to encourage owners and anyone in control of a dog to clear up after the dog to comply with the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.

Several types of poop scoops for removing dog waste are available from all pet shops and some supermarkets. The most common type of poop scoop is an ordinary plastic bag or nappy sack, because they are cheap and easy to use.

Worming
Good dog owners want to keep their dog happy and healthy so it is important to make sure your dog is wormed regularly. Worming tablets and formulas are available from pet shops and vet surgeries.

Dogs Age	Frequency
2 weeks to 3 months of age	every 2 weeks*
4 months to 6 months of age	once a month*
6 months old onwards	every 3 months*

* As recommended by the Pet Health Council

Your Dog & the Environmental Protection Act

Garden Accumulation
If a person allows a large quantity of dog faeces to accumulate in their garden it may cause problems through smell and flies which could have an adverse effect on their neighbours.

Hopefully any problem can be dealt with informally. If however, this is not the case then the council may serve an abatement notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requiring the owner/occupier of the premises to clear the garden of all dog faeces and maintain it in a clean condition. If a person on whom an abatement notice is served contravenes or fails to comply with the notice they shall be guilty of an offence.

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
Many dog owners think that the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 only applies to specific breeds e.g. the Pit Bull Terrier. This is not the case, Section 3 of the Act refers to all dogs of any type or breed and makes it a criminal offence to allow any dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place or a private place where the dog has no right to be.

A dog is regarded as "dangerously out of control" under the Act if there are grounds for suspecting that it will injure a person, whether or not it actually does so. If no injury is caused, the maximum sentence is a fine of £2,000 and/or six months imprisonment. Where actual injury is caused the maximum sentence is two years imprisonment and/or unlimited fine, plus if appropriate, destruction of the dog.

The Court can also specify particular forms of restriction, such as muzzling or leashing, for all types of dog, as well as having the power to disqualify owners from having custody of a dog for any period of time felt appropriate.

For further information regarding your dog and the law, please contact the Dog Line on 01276 707100.