Dog Fouling

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the penalty for not picking up after a dog?

  If a person in charge of a dog is witnessed by an authorised officer not picking up after the dog they may receive a fixed penalty notice of £100 for the offence. Failure to pay this notice may result in court action with a maximum fine of £1000 and prosecution costs.

• What if someone picks up after their dog, but then discards the whole bag?

  If a person in charge of a dog picks up after it then they are not committing an offence under the public space protection order, but are committing an offence of littering under Section 87 Environmental Protection Act 1990.

  If you witness this and are willing to provide evidence, please email environmental.enforcement@gravesham.gov.uk

• A dog has fouled on my property. What can be done?

  Private land is not covered by the public space protection order, however if you are able to provide details of the incident and dog owner officers may be able to take action under Anti-Social behaviour legislation.

  Please email environmental.enforcement@gravesham.gov.uk.

• How do I report fouling at Jeskyns Park?

  Jeskyns Park is not covered by the public space protection order for fouling as the land is owned by the Forestry Commission.

  You can report any concerns to the Park Ranger at Jeskyns for their information by emailing jeskynsranger@forestry.gsi.gov.uk, calling 01474 825118 or writing to Jeskyns Ranger, Forestry Commission, c/o Shorne Woods Country Park, Brewers Road, Shorne, Kent DA12 3HX.

• What should I do about dog fouling on communal council housing land?

  Communal council housing land (such as land, bin stores, corridors, lifts, etc.) is not covered by the public space protection order as it is not land that the public are free to access and spend time on.

  Dog fouling on communal council housing land should be reported to the Housing Officer for the area, as they may be able to deal with the issue under tenancy provisions.

  When reporting information to the Housing Officer relating to owners not picking up after their dog, it is therefore important to provide as much information as possible and, ideally, including the address of the owner.

  To find out who the relevant Housing Officer is and how to contact them, please visit the Your Housing Officer section of our website.

  If it is committed by dog owners who live outside the area our officers may be able to take action under Anti-Social behaviour legislation.

  Please email environmental.enforcement@gravesham.gov.uk with details.

• There is a large accumulation of dog waste in my neighbour’s garden, what can be done about this?

  If the dog waste is in the garden of a council house, you should report it to the relevant Housing Officer. To find out who the relevant Housing Officer is and how to contact them, please visit the Your Housing Officer section of our website.

  If the dog waste is in the garden of a private home, you should report it to Environmental Health by emailing details and photographs to ep@gravesham.gov.uk.

  Please note that in both cases, there will need to be a long-standing and significant amount of dog waste for the council to be able to assist.

• Can you provide me with dog fouling signage?

  We do not routinely provide dog fouling signage. If you believe that an area is subject to high levels of dog fouling, please email the environmental enforcement team at: environmental.enforcement@gravesham.gov.uk and officers will be happy to place signage on your behalf.

• Do you carry out routine patrols?

  Street Scene Enforcement Officers will carry out patrol, engagement and enforcement in areas that are identified as dog fouling hot spots. Hot spots will be identified through reports from customers.

• A dog waste bin needs emptying. How can I report this?

  Waste bins are emptied on a regular basis as part of the council’s street cleaning service.

  However If you notice a litter or dog bin that's overflowing or broken you can report it to us.

  Request a new waste bin.