£1,000 fines continue for dog mess in Guildford
The Public Spaces Protection Order has been extended for another three years
Last updated 11th Dec 2020
Not clearing up after your dog in Guildford could land you with a £1,000 fine over the next three years.
The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), due to expire on 11 December, has been extended by Guildford Borough council for another three years, helping to protect public spaces throughout the borough.
While most residents in charge of a dog pick up their dog’s mess, those who don’t face a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100 or, if the case goes to court, fines of £1,000. Any public litter bin can be used to dispose of dog’s mess, or dog walkers should take it home.
Dog mess is highly unpleasant and in rare cases, contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma, blindness or seizures.
Cllr James Steel, Lead Councillor for the Environment says:
“Research by Keep Britain Tidy revealed that dog fouling is the litter issue the public are most concerned about – and we know that our residents have strong views on this, too.
“We’re confident that extending the PSPO will help to prevent an increase in dog fouling across the borough. We want everyone - residents, visitors and local businesses – to enjoy their open spaces, streets and shops without going home to find they have stepped in something nasty that is potentially toxic.
“Now we have come out of the second lockdown into Tier 2 restrictions, we would encourage dog owners to act responsibly – and we know that most of them do. We would especially ask this in the run-up to Christmas, on behalf of both shoppers showing their much-needed support for local businesses and those enjoying the company of friends in our wonderful parks and open spaces. We would ask dog walkers to remember there’s no such thing as the ‘dog poo fairy’ who will clear up after you.”
The Council’s renewed order has been made under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The law states that being unaware a dog has fouled, or not having a suitable bag to clear up the mess, is not a reasonable excuse.
Residents can report antisocial dog behaviour, including for fouling, here.