• In 2016 to date, 2,099 fines for dog fouling have been issued, totalling £120,359
• In 2015, UK local authorities received 94,013  reports of dog fouling and handed out 4,451 fines worth in excess of £247,282
• Barnsley Borough Council handed out the highest number of fines amongst UK authorities in 2015 (359), with a value of  £17,950 in total
• Association of Optometrists warns of risk to sight in children if they come into contact with soil infected with parasite toxocariasis, which can be found in dog excrement 
   

Local authorities across the UK have issued over 2,099 fines for dog fouling in 2016 to date1, totalling £120,359 according to new research from Direct Line Pet Insurance2. In 2015, at least 4,451 fines were given for dog fouling offences totalling in excess of £247,282.

Issuing fines for dog fouling seems to be proving an effective deterrent. The number of fines given out across the UK has reduced by 21 per cent since 2013, from 5,633 to 4,451. The value of these fines has also reduced, by 19 per cent in the same period, from £304,860 to £247,282. 

Owners failing to clean up after their pets peaked in 2014, with 99,723 reports of dog fouling received across the UK.  This fell by six per cent in 2015, with 94,013 reports of dog fouling recorded. 
 

Number and value of fines for dog fouling across the UK in 2014 and 2015

Source: Direct Line Pet Insurance, 2016
 

Prit Powar, head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line said: “Dog excrement left on our streets and in parks poses a serious public health hazard. While it is good that owners have become more conscientious when clearing up after their dogs, there are far too many incidents when peoples’ health is being put at risk as animal faeces is left in public places.”

Barnsley Borough Council served the highest number of fines for dog fouling offences in 2015 (359), more than three times the number given out by the council in 2014 (99). Denbighshire Council (233) and Hinckley and Bosworth District Council (216) make up the top three councils for number of fines handed out in 2015.

Unsurprisingly, Barnsley Borough Council also issued the highest value of fines relating to dog fouling in 2015. The council issued fines worth £17,950 overall, more than three times the value of the £4,950 issued in 2014. 
 

Local Authorities in England and Wales which handed out the highest number of fines for dog fouling in 2015
 

Source: Direct Line Pet Insurance, 2016
 

Interestingly, the councils that received the highest volume of reports for dog fouling did not hand out the highest number of fines. Durham County Council,  received 2,766 reports of dog fouling in 2015 but only handed out 67 fines. Barnsley Borough Council, on the other hand, received 624 reports of dog fouling and handed out 359 fines.

It is important, not just for general cleanliness, but also for health reasons that dog faeces are removed as it can cause an infection called toxocariasis in humans in severe circumstances, an infection caused by roundworm parasites3. Children are most at risk of picking up this disease as they are more likely to come into contact with infected soil. The disease can cause problems with eye sight for children and can be caught from ingesting the eggs rather than getting contaminated soil in the eye.

Henry Leonard, AOP Clinical & Regulatory Officer, said: “It’s important to recognise that not picking up after pets can indeed have wider consequences for public health. There is a risk to the sight, particularly in children, from an infection called toxocariasis which is caused by a parasite present in animal faeces, predominantly dogs. The risk comes from the eggs of the parasitic worm, Toxocara Canis, when they are ingested rather than necessarily getting some in the eye. This can either be from direct contact with faeces or more frequently from contaminated soil.

“While cases are rare, toxocariasis can cause a variety of serious problems in the body. The eye is a common site for it to lodge and the effects can be devastating to the sight unless it’s treated promptly. A blood test can usually detect it but you may also need an eye examination to look for parasites.”    

Dog fouling orders are governed under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 which allows local authorities to set out specific public space protection orders (PSPOs) for their area, detailing that owners must clear up after their dogs in certain public areas4. If a PSPO is ignored, dog owners can be given an on the spot fine (fixed penalty notice) usually between £50 & £80, or up to £1,000 if it goes to court.

Prit Powar continued: “Responsible dog owners and dog walkers will immediately clean up after their dogs already, as no one wants to come across dog faeces when in a public place.  Anyone who doesn’t clean up after their dog should be aware that not only is it unhygienic and potentially dangerous to children’s health, it is unfair on fellow users of public spaces and they may have to pay a fine if a PSPO is in place.”

On a regional basis, Scotland gave out the highest number of fines for dog fouling offences (863) compared to other parts of the UK. The North West of England (698) and Yorkshire and the Humberside (623) complete the top three regions for number of fines handed out. The South West (178), London (160) and East of England (110) handed out the fewest number of fines for dog fouling offences in 2015.
 

Regional breakdown of dog fouling fines 2015

Source: Direct Line Pet Insurance, 2016
 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1 2016 figures correct as of 7th July 2016

2 Direct Line Pet Insurance’s analysis of data supplied in response to a Freedom of Information Act request issued to the UK councils on 7thJuly 2016. Data is based on responses from 346 out of 434 councils

3 http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Toxocariasis/Pages/Prevention.aspx

4 https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/public-spaces-protection-orders
 

For further information please contact:

Claire Foster

Direct Line

[email protected]  
0165 183 1672

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. UK Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 300 7838 or visiting www.directline.com

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