Dog dirt on prams and scooters sees fines surge as 'peak season' arrives

A North Wales council is cracking down on "irresponsible" dog owners who are failing to pick up their pet’s poo in public places. In the year to October, Cyngor Gwynedd issued three times as many fines as it did in the previous 12 months.

It issued a warning to pet owners as the local authority prepares for the peak season for dog fouling. Complaints surge over winter when, under the cover of darkness, reckless owners think they are less likely to be caught.

Cyngor Gwynedd said they risk fines up to £100 or even be prosecuted by the courts, leading to penalties up to £1,000. Its get-tough approach follows horror stories from residents and the threat of diseases like toxocariasis, which in rare cases can cause breathing difficulties and blindness in children.

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Steffan Jones, head of highways, engineering and the YGC department said: “Dog fouling on public land is a complaint that we receive on a regular basis, and unfortunately the problem is worse in winter months. In Gwynedd we have so many areas that offer enjoyable walks, but it is a very unpleasant experience when you realise that you have stood in dog faeces, and possibly carried it on your shoes into your car or home. We have heard from families who have found dog dirt on pram wheels or on the wheels of children’s scooters.

“The fact that it might be dark or raining is not an excuse for not stopping and picking up after your dog. Help us to spread the message about the importance of responsible and conscientious dog ownership this autumn and winter.”

On-the-spot fines of up to £100 can be given for allowing dogs to foul in a public place without attempting to clean up after it. Between December 2023 and September 2024, the council issued 33 Fixed Penalty Notices, up from 12 the year before.

Dog mess can be placed in dog fouling bins, public street bins or in green wheelie bins at home. Despite an increase in dog ownership since the Covid pandemic, Cyngor Gwynedd said the vast majority of owners are responsible and carry pick-up bags on walks. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone

A spokesperson said residents can be assured the council is taking steps to tackle dog fouling, with enforcement team officers shifting their focus from beaches and tourism hotspots to quiet streets and lanes over the winter. One councillor has even mounted his own campaign against “lazy” owners in his home village of Llanllyfni.

Residents are being asked to play their part by reporting dog owners who don’t pick up. “You can contact the council confidentially so that the street enforcement wardens can investigate the matter,” said a spokesperson. You can do this here.

The local authority also provides free bags for residents. Supplies are available from every library in the county and from the three Siop Gwynedd receptions, in Caernarfon, Dolgellau and Pwllheli.

A Public Space Protection Order in Gwynedd makes it an offence to take dogs to children’s play areas for children, school grounds, playing fields and, in summer, some beaches. These dog control orders have existed since 2013 and were recently extended to August 14, 2027. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

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