Dog Fouling

Am I still liable to prosecution for allowing a dog to foul a public place if it isn't my dog?

Yes, you are still liable. The Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 Act places responsibility to clear up any waste on the person in charge of the dog. This need not be the dog's owner. If you are caught allowing a dog to foul and not removing the waste you are liable for the offence regardless of who actually owns the dog.

Can under-16s be prosecuted for allowing a dog in their care to foul a public place?

Yes, children can be prosecuted for allowing a dog in their care to foul a public place, as the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 does not contain any exemption from the offence for children under the age of 16.

Dog owners have allowed their animals to foul the footpath, who do I contact about this?

Contact the Customer Service Centre on 01506 775000, who will take the details and pass them onto the appropriate officer.

How do I get a dog-foul bin in my local area

Contact NETs and Land Services on 01506 775000 with details of the proposed location for the bin. They will carry out a site inspection and install a bin if appropriate.

If someone is prosecuted, for allowing their dog to foul a public place, how much can they be fined?

People who allow their dogs to foul public places will receive a fixed penalty of 40, rising to 60 if not paid within 28 days. If the matter goes to court, any person found guilty is liable on conviction to a fine of any amount up to 500.

My street is badly littered with dog foul, I would like it cleaned up who should I contact?

If there is a problem with dog fouling in your street contact the litter hotline on 0800 616446 and arrangements will be made to have the mess cleaned up. Contact the Customer Service Centre for assistance on 01506 775000.

Someone has allowed their dog to foul our childrens play equipped area, who do I report this to?

Contact the Customer Service Centre on 01506 775000, your enquiry will be passed to the Councils play squad who will attend to the problem and arrange for it to be removed.

We have a problem with dog fouling, can we have a sign erected?

Due to changes in legislation a 'no dog fouling' sign is no longer required to enforce the legislation. Therefore, if you have details of dog owners who are allowing their dogs to foul, please contact the Dog Warden Service on 01506 775401

What is the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003

This new Act stipulates that, if a dog defecates in any public place, the person in charge of the dog is guilty of an offense if they do not immediately remove and properly dispose of the faeces.

Where can I get a "Poop Scoop" ?

Poop Scoops are available at Council Offices, Vets and Pet Shops throughout West Lothian

Who is exempt from being prosecuted for allowing their dog to foul a public place?

There are a number of exemptions to the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003, including: a blind person in charge of a dog that is being used for that persons guidance; a person in charge of a working dog being used for the tending or driving of sheep or cattle; the armed forces, customs and excise or the police force are also exempt but only when the dogs are working; and some disabled persons There is no specific exemption for partially sighted people, the elderly or the infirm.

Who is responsible for prosecuting members of the public who allow their dogs to foul public places?

The Police and Authorised Council Officers can prosecute people who allow their dogs to foul public places.

Why can dog faeces be dangerous?

Dog faeces can contain Toxicara which is a serious infection that can cause blindness and liver disorder in humans.