Dogs & your neighbourhood
Most dog owners take their responsibilities seriously, yet the activities of a few make irresponsible dog ownership a constant cause for complaint by the public. Dog fouling is a matter of importance to the general public, and has become increasingly unacceptable. Recent legislation, primarily the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, has given new powers to local authorities and parish councils to tackle the problem. Local bye-laws can be used to promote more responsible dog ownership, among, adding to the powers available under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. As well as being an indicator assessed in the Local Environmental Quality Surveys carried out for the government by ENCAMS (the Government’s anti-litter agency), dog fouling is included within the new Best Value Performance (BVP) Indicators for Local Authorities.
Further information on new and existing legislation and initiatives enabling this to be tackled include:
- The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005:
- Cleaner, Safer, Greener Communities
- Cleaner Safer Greener (CSG) Network
- The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996:
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005:
This provides local authorities, parish and community councils and the Environment Agency with more effective powers and tools to tackle poor environmental quality and anti-social behaviour. In particular the Act includes sections on nuisance and abandoned vehicles, litter, graffiti, waste, noise and dogs. The most complex piece of legislation governing open spaces since 1990, it makes prosecuting considerably easier, and extends to all open spaces, including private land. (www.defra.gov.uk/Environment/localenv/legislation/cnea/index.htm)
Cleaner, Safer, Greener Communities
Part of the government's Cleaner, Safer, Greener Agenda, this is about "creating quality spaces in which people want to live and can be proud of – and which others will respect", of which dog fouling is a key aspect. (www.cleanersafergreener.gov.uk – this website is a one-stop shop of best practice examples)
Cleaner Safer Greener (CSG) Network
A new programme by ENCAMS, helping local authorities and communities to make full use of new enhanced powers and address environmental quality and anti-social behaviour in their areas – again, a key aspect is dog fouling. The Network is aimed at local councils, housing associations and other bodies involved in the management of a large area of land.
The ENCAMS website is a useful source of information and advice (www.encams.org/advice) and also produces a helpful publication called "Dog fouling and the law – A guide for the public" (www.encams.org/publications). Defra's website also contains helpful information on legislation and on responsible dog ownership in general – www.defra.gov.uk/localenv/dogs/index.htm.
