The Isle of Anglesey (Dogs Fouling of Land ) Order 1997 makes it an offence for dog owners not to clean up after their dog in designated areas.
If you fail to clean up after your dog you may be liable to a fixed penalty fine of £75 or prosecution in court, which could result in a fine of up to £1000. Bag it and bin it!
Is it always an offence not to clear up after your dog?
- registered blind persons are exempt from the order
- it is not an offence if you have a reasonable excuse
What is not a reasonable excuse?
- to state that you are unaware that your dog has defecated
- to state that you have no suitable means (plastic bag, poop scoop etc.) to remove the faeces
- to state that there is no dog waste bin, litter bin or other suitable receptacle nearby
Where does the order apply?
Subject to the exemptions below, the order covers all land on Anglesey which is open to air and to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access (with or without payment). This includes schools playgrounds and playing fields, other playing fields, playground, parks recreation ground, public car parks, picnic sites, promenades, public gardens, church yards, cemeteries and beaches.
Exemptions:
- carriageways with a speed limit of more than 30 mph and land running alongside them
- land used for agriculture or woodlands
- land which is predominantly marshlands, moor or heather
- rural common land.
- private owned land which the owner does not want included
The order does not apply to private gardens, drives etc, as these are not for general access.
What if I’m not sure?
Assume that the order does apply, and clean up after your dog !
If you are walking your dog, you should always carry a poop scoop, plastic bag or other suitable equipment to clean up after your dog.
For further advice on dog fouling, the Voluntary Dog Registration Scheme and other matters relating to responsible dog ownership, please contact Environmental Health Services, Tel: (01248) 750057.