Dog ownership and control

Dog fouling

Under the Rotherham Borough Council Dog Control Order of 30th November 2009 (as transitioned to a Public Spaces Protection Order under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014) it is an offence for a dog to foul on designated land and for the faeces not to be removed forthwith by the person in charge of the dog.

A copy of the transitioned dog control order can be downloaded from this page.

Any person failing to follow this order could receive a fixed penalty fine of £100. On summary conviction at the magistrates court can also receive a fine up to £1000.

In Rotherham alone we clear up approximately two tons of dog fouling each year from our streets and recreational areas. This is due to irresponsible dog owners failing to pick up after their dog.

A single dog mess can contain approximately 1 million microscopic Toxocara eggs. This can cause a potentially serious infection in humans leading to blindness.

It is the responsibility of the person in charge of the dog to clear up any dog foul left by their dog. The legislation makes it clear that being unaware that the dog has fouled, or not having a suitable means of removing the faeces is not a reasonable excuse for failing to remove the foul.

Report dog fouling

Report an overflowing litter or dog waste bin