Reducing dog fouling

Dog mess is not only unpleasant but it is also potentially harmful. In health terms, it can contain a parasitic worm called Toxocara.

Toxocariasis can take an ocular form which means that the worm larva becomes trapped in the eye which can cause visual impairment and possible blindness. It is thought that young children are at a higher risk of developing Toxocariasis, as they are more likely to come into contact with soil or sand that contains dog mess.

We know that the majority of dog owners are responsible and do clean up after their pets, however, there are those who choose not to. It is an offence not to clean up after your dog and in any public area in North Norfolk and includes out-of-the-way beauty spots that are popular with lots of people, not just dog walkers.

If you don’t clear up after your dog you are liable for a £80 fixed penalty notice (£60 if paid within 10 days). If you don’t pay the fixed penalty, action in magistrates' courts could result in a fine of up to £1000, on conviction.

As part of our continuing ‘no messing’ campaign we are busy patrolling dog fouling ‘hotspot’ areas across the district. 

As well as cleaning up mess after others, we talk to dog walkers, offer advice and encourage people to preserve our beautiful region by cleaning up after their pets.

• Can't find a red dog mess bin?  Don't worry - just bag it up carefully and put it in a public litter bin instead
• Don't forget to worm your dog regularly
• Ensure your dog wears a collar with an identity tag
• How to be a responsible dog owner
• Seen it? Report it!