South Holland dog walkers without poo bags could be fined under new rules

Dog owners across South Holland face fines of up to £100 if they fail to pick up after their pets under new rules. South Holland District Council’s cabinet has agreed to introduce a district-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on dog controls, replacing the existing bylaws in a bid to ensure a cleaner, safer environment for residents.

The order also requires owners to provide evidence that they have a ‘suitable receptacle’ or other means to pick up dog waste, and dogs are not allowed in enclosed children’s play areas. The order has been implemented with immediate effect.

However, over the first two months, officers will take the opportunity to educate dog walkers about the new measures before fully implementing enforcement on February 1, 2025. A comprehensive communications and public awareness campaign will also be launched to inform the public about the new measures.

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During a meeting on Tuesday, November 12, Councillor Anthony Casson, portfolio holder for public protection, said: "We recognise that most people act responsibly when exercising their dogs, however complaints about dog fouling, and the positive response from the public consultation, support us taking action.

"This is an important step to tackle environmental issues like dog fouling, and it’s something that is working well in Boston and East Lindsey."

A consultation conducted between Tuesday, August 27, and Tuesday, October 8, garnered 419 responses, with the vast majority of residents in favour of the PSPO. When asked if they felt there was a problem with dog fouling in public areas in South Holland, 84.2 per cent of respondents agreed.

In a separate question asking whether people supported a proposal making it an offence not to pick up dog waste, 94.7 per cent of respondents said yes. While the cabinet was generally supportive of the new measures, questions were raised about how effectively they would be enforced.

Councillor Bryan Alcock suggested adding signs urging dog owners to take waste bags home, noting that in some cases, bags aren’t strong enough to hold the contents, making it a “very unpleasant” job for those emptying the bins. “We expect people to take other rubbish home with them,” he added.

Meanwhile, Councillor Andrew Woolf highlighted a scenario where if a dog owner goes out with one waste bag, uses it, and then gets stopped, they could be liable for a fine. He advised that owners should take multiple bags with them while out walking.