The Council receives many complaints regarding dog fouling. Dog mess is of public health significance as it is unhealthy, anti-social, unpleasant and unwanted.

Dog mess is associated with a number of diseases, the worst of which is a roundworm found in dogs known as Toxocara, which can be picked up by young children and cause them stomach upsets, soar throats, asthma and in rare cases blindness.

Dog fouling and the law

In Monmouthshire it is an offence not to clean up after your dog has fouled, and the Council has now designated land under the Dog (Fouling of Land Act) 1996. The designated land includes roads, footpaths, school playing fields, sports fields and parks. It is an offence for a dog owner not to clean up after their dog in these areas. Failure to comply can result in a prosecution and fine up to £1,000 in the Magistrates' Court. It is no defence to claim ignorance of the dog's actions.

Clearing up after your dog

Be a responsible dog owner by being prepared before you walk your dog. Always carry a poop scoop or bag and follows these simple steps:

• Place hand in bag
• Pick up waste using bag
• Turn bag inside out so dog mess is inside
• Tie the bag up
• Deposit bag in bin at home or suitable litter bin

Reporting offenders

If you see a dog owner who allows his or her dog to foul our streets then you can report it by telephone, by e-mail or by letter to the Council. To report an incident of dog fouling by e-mail, click here. Dog fouling Incident Reporting Form

Contact Area

For further information regarding dog fouling and responsible dog ownership please contact the Council by telephone on the following numbers between 8.45am and 5pm
01291 635711 (Lower Wye & Severnside Areas)
01873 735420 (Bryn y Cwm Area)
01633 644100 (Central Monmouthshire Area)