Dog fouling laws to be reviewed

23 October 2007

The council is currently reviewing its dog control orders and if these are successfully passed the laws and penalties relating to dogs in the borough will change.

Currently under the Fouling of Land Act 1996, failure to clean up faeces deposited by the owners dog can result in an on the spot fine of £50.00 and or leave the owner facing fines of up to £1000 and a criminal record.

As well as being against the law, dog fouling can also be a nuisance and a health risk to other residents. Dog faeces can carry worms that can cause serious eye infections in adults and children and can potentially cause blindness.

Please be a responsible dog owner and clean up after your dog. Poop scoop bags are available from a wide range of sources, or you can reuse your supermarket plastic bags.

For more information, please contact the Lewisham Council Animal Welfare Service on 020 8314 2098.