Dog Watch Scheme

Under the Dogs (fouling of land) Act 1996 it is an offence not to clear up after your dog in areas accessible to the public. This can also include private land.

Failure to comply with this law may result in a fine of up to £1000. Hart District Council’s Dog Warden service has successfully prosecuted dog owners with respect to this offence.

What is the Dog watch scheme?

The dog watch scheme is aimed at those dog owners who continue to be irresponsible and fail to clean up after their dogs. This practice is no longer acceptable.

The scheme is looking to the local people to help make the scheme work. Local people know who the offenders are, and therefore they are able to help tackle the problem of fouling in the area, by reporting them to the council.

The reports to the Council are kept confidential. From the reports the offenders will be written to advising them that they have been seen to allow their dogs to foul and failed to clear up afterwards. They will also be advised of the legal options available to the Council, should they be found to persistently offending.

It is intended that this approach will encourage dog owners to be more responsible and to clear up after their dogs.

How can you help?

You can get involved in the dog watch scheme, by reporting the people who wilfully neglect to clear up after their dogs.

If you would like further information please contact the Dog Warden service using the contact information on the right of this page.

How can you report the offenders?

You can report the offenders by either completing a report form or contacting the Dog Warden service and reporting the details.

In addition to the dog watch scheme, there will be regular patrols by the Dog Warden service throughout the Hart District area.

Areas identified as having a fouling problem will also be monitored by the Dog Warden service and other Council officers.

For further information or advice relating to this scheme or any dog issues please contact us.