If your dog fouls in any public area you are required to clean up, and properly dispose of it.
We have introduced a Dog Fouling Public Spaces Protection Order that covers all of Cornwall.
Read the Dog Fouling Public Spaces Protection Order
This is to ensure all areas of Cornwall have the same levels of enforcement for dog fouling. This covers all land (with the exception of Forestry Commission Land) in the open air to which the public are entitled access (by payment or not).
Failing to clean up after your dog has fouled may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 being issued. Failure to pay and discharge your liability for the offence will result in prosecution, if found guilty, you would face a maximum fine of £1,000 plus costs.
We only have a limited number of Dog Welfare and Enforcement Officers in Cornwall. However, there are a number of other officers who are able to issue fixed penalties.
Many of these are not uniformed officers. This means that there is a relatively high chance that you will be caught should you not clear up after your dog has fouled.
It is not an excuse in law that you were not aware of the fact that the dog had fouled. You can be held responsible even if you did not see the incident, or if it is witnessed whilst your dog is straying.
Reporting dog fouling
Report a dog owner for allowing their dog to foul in a public areaWe treat dog fouling offences very seriously and investigate all reports where there is persistent fouling or there is evidence of an offence being committed. Digital evidence is particularly helpful in proving offences so if there is dash cam footage, CCTV or digital images this will be requested.
We would be in a better position to take action should you be able to provide a full description of what happened, including:
- Date
- Time
- Location
- What you witnessed
- Description/identity of the dog/owner and as much information as possible about the incident
- A photo or video of the incident happening if possible
- Any information regarding the offender. This could include
- name / address (if known)
- vehicle registration number or
- any other identifying feature
You may be asked to provide a witness statement. You will be provided with information and help with this. If the fixed penalty is not paid you may be asked to attend court.
To tackle dog fouling issues we do rely on help from members of the public reporting issues and providing us with sufficient levels of evidence.
Report a public area that needs cleaning
We aim to keep public areas clean and free from dog mess. If you are aware of a particular problem area that needs cleaning please tell us about it.
Report a problem area that needs cleaning
What should I use to clear up after my dog?
Please pick up dog faeces with something like a small plastic bag. The bag should be as small as possible otherwise the bin quickly becomes full of plastic rather than dog waste.
Please do not throw your bagged waste into the hedge. Instead, take it to the nearest litter or dog waste bin. Anyone caught throwing bagged dog waste will face a £150 fixed penalty or prosecution.
