Dog fouling

Report a dog fouling problem

If you want to report a dog fouling problem in a particular area or wish to report a dog owner who does not clean up after their dog, please use the 'Report Dog Fouling' service.

If you need any help or support to complete the online form please call us on the telephone number provided below the button.

Dog fouling and the law in Wirral

It is estimated that there are over 150,000 dogs in the Merseyside and Cheshire area, some of which are allowed to stray. Each day they produce around 60 tonnes of dog mess!

Much of this is left on footpaths, parks and playing fields. At best it gets on shoes and clothes. At worst it can cause blindness through an infection called 'Toxocara Canis'.

All of the Wirral Council area is designated under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 by the Fouling of Land by Dogs Order 1998. On the designated land, it is an offence for an owner or keeper of a dog to fail to clear up after their dog has fouled. Failure to comply can result in a prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000. Alternatively you may be offered a Fixed Penalty Notice of £50.

It is not a defence to claim that you did not know or were not there when the dog fouled.

Never let your dog out alone

When you walk a dog, always carry the means to clean up after it. Parks and other areas are not provided as dog toilets!

Remember, rain does not wash the problem away. Never let your dog out alone to go to the loo. It is everyone's duty to clean up after their dog.

There is no excuse, fouling is unacceptable.

What are the health risks associated with dog fouling?

Dog faeces carry harmful infections, the most widely known being Toxocariasis.

Human toxocariasis is potentially a serious infection and is a direct consequence of soil or sand contamination with faeces carrying eggs of the parasite. The parasite can only infect humans if swallowed.

Once swallowed the infection can last between six and 24 months. Frequently the infection is through the hands, but can also be with the dogs themselves or through inanimate objects such as wheels of toys, soles of shoes, etc.

Many infected soil samples are found in children’s play areas and in the streets and as a result of this, Toxocariasis is mainly found in children between 18 months and five years. Eye disorders are the most commonly reported complaint associated with Toxocariasis, although other symptoms are vague aches, dizziness, nausea, asthma and epileptic fits.

What action can local authorities take?

As stated previously, it is an offence under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 to fail to clear up after your dog after it has fouled in a public place.

It applies to land and open spaces to which the public has access, including roads, pavements, footpaths, parks and other areas.

Private gardens are not included in the powers, although occupiers must make sure that when they let their dogs out into gardens, they do not allow droppings to create a 'statutory nuisance' and they also should not allow their dog(s) to stray into their neighbours' property.

Exceptions to the law

The law does not apply in the following circumstances:

1. Where the land is adjacent to roads with a speed limit of more than 40 miles per hour
2. Agricultural land
3. Where a person in charge of a dog is registered blind - although any other person exercising a guide dog is subject to these requirements
4. The person in charge of a dog has reasonable excuse for not clearing up. (If necessary the Magistrates Court can decide on what is or is not a reasonable excuse)

What do I do with the waste?

You place the wrapped droppings in a nearby litter bin, or take them home and put them in your own wheelie bin. Dog waste is classified in law as litter for street cleaning purposes and can be disposed of correctly wrapped in litter bins or in your wheelie bin.

Remember to make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after you have disposed of the droppings.

What happens if an offence is committed?

Anyone caught may be issued with a fixed penalty notice by an authorised Council Enforcement Officer or a Police Community Support Officer. They then have 14 days to pay the £50 penalty.

If no payment is received, or the person disagrees with the notice, the Council's solicitor will issue a summons meaning an appearance at the Magistrates Court.

If found guilty of the offence, the person concerned could be fined up to £1,000 for each offence.

How can I help the Council tackle this problem?

If you wish to report a dog owner who has not cleaned up after their dog, please complete the online form by clicking the 'Report Dog Fouling' button on the right side of this web page.  

If you need any help or support to complete the online form please call us on the telephone number provided below the button.

Cat fouling and the law

Unlike dogs there are no laws regarding cats and fouling.

A cat holds a unique position in law in that the owner of the cat is not held to be responsible for the consequences of any trespass by the cat.

It is an offence to put down poison or set snares for a cat.

The majority of cats are meticulous about burying their faeces. Dominant uncastrated tomcats may not bury their faeces to demonstrate that they are the 'top cat' in the area. It is therefore sensible to make sure your cat is neutered; you'll also be helping to reduce the vast number of unwanted kittens born every year.

Since cats bury their faeces, they need a suitable area for this purpose. If one is not provided the cat will use newly-dug ground, especially the fine earth of a seed bed, for preference. They will also like fallen leaves, grass cuttings, pebbles on drives and sand pits. They may also like long grass if the earth is too hard in which to dig a hole.

Encouraging you cat to remain in their garden

Probably the most important thing you can do is to provide an attractive toilet area in your garden for your cat. If possible, choose a sheltered area of your garden and encourage you cat to use it for their toilet. Sprinkle some used cat litter (containing his/her own scent) and keep the area dug over. Once they start to use it, it will soon become a habit.

How to discourage uninvited cats

It is possible to prevent cats soiling your garden without harming them, but it does take a little effort. Here are some suggestions:

• Water the flower beds last thing at night. Cats dislike wet soil.
• Surround your garden pond with boggy, marsh ground to discourage fishing. Consider covering the pond with netting.
• Twig-like sticks pushed into the soil where new plants have been sown may discourage cats.
• Cover your flower beds with netting or chicken wire and the plants will grow through it. Cover your compost heap as well.
• Prickly plants, ground-cover roses, shrubs and the plant Rue (Ruta Graveoleus - sold generally as the variety 'Jackmans Blue'), which has a blue foliage, will help deter cats from digging.
• Old tea bags or broken egg shells scattered around the flower beds may deter cats.
• Diluted surgical spirit sprayed onto fences, etc. seem to keep unwanted cats away.
• Orange and citrus smells, oil of peppermint and eucalyptus can be very effective in keeping a flower bed or vegetable patch cat-free.
• The ultimate deterrent is to have a cat of your own. He/she will defend their own territory and other cats will be wary of entering your garden.