Dog Fouling

Help keep Hatton clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Dog fouling is one of the common causes of complaints received by local councils, and Hatton Parish Council is no exception. We have recently received an increase in complaints about dogs being off the lead and dog fouling being left behind at Scropton Road Recreation Ground and Jubilee Field.

We would like to remind all dog owners and walkers of their responsibilities when out and about in our village and surrounding countryside.

Pick up every time

Dog owners must clean up after their dogs in public places, including parks, recreation grounds, footpaths and the fields surrounding the village.

Scropton Road Recreation Ground is primarily a children's play area and is also used for football and lacrosse. Dog fouling in these areas creates an unpleasant environment and can pose a risk to the health of children and other users.

Please respect everyone who uses these shared spaces and always pick up after your dog.

Keep your dog under control

When using public footpaths, please keep your dog on a lead where appropriate and under close control. This will help you identify where your dog has fouled and ensure you can clean up promptly.

Dog faeces can contain harmful parasites and bacteria that may pose health risks to people, livestock and wildlife. Contamination of grazing land can also present a serious risk to farm animals, including unborn calves.

Dispose of dog waste responsibly

Once you have picked up your dog's waste, please:

• Put the securely tied poo bag in a suitable public waste bin.

• Alternatively, take it home and dispose of it in your own household bin.

• Never leave poo bags on the ground, hanging from trees, or beside paths and roads. Bagged dog waste is still litter.
  

What are the penalties for dog fouling?

Dog owners who fail to clear up after their dogs may face enforcement action. Depending on the applicable legislation and circumstances, this can include a fixed penalty notice or prosecution and a fine.

Are there any exemptions?

There are specific exemptions for certain disabled people who cannot reasonably pick up after their assistance dogs, such as a registered blind person accompanied by a guide dog.

Let's work together

Keeping Hatton's recreation grounds, footpaths and countryside clean is everyone's responsibility. A simple act of picking up after your dog helps protect public health, safeguard livestock and wildlife, and ensures these spaces remain welcoming for the whole community.

Please be a responsible dog owner: pick it up, bag it and bin it.

Relevant legislation and guidance may include the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Litter (Animal Droppings) Order 1991, the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and the Countryside Code.