Dog fouling fines swell council coffers by £5k

Dog owners in Doncaster who have failed to pick up their pets' mess have been fined a total of £5,000 during the past five years.

Twelve people have also been taken to court by Doncaster Council over unpaid fines relating to dog fouling, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request found.

The local authority typically issues a £100 on-the-spot fixed penalty to people caught not picking up after their dogs, but this can rise by a further £1,000 if the fine goes unpaid, according to the council's website.

Councillor Gemma Cobby, cabinet member for regulation and enforcement, said: "Dog fouling spoils our neighbourhoods and outdoor spaces and we know that it is a big concern for residents."

She added: "While we know that many dog owners are responsible and courteous, there are some who do choose to flout these rules.

"Therefore, our enforcement officers vigilantly watch out for these offences and can take proactive action against those responsible."

Of the £5,000 earned since January 2021, the council received £1,600 in penalties in 2024 alone, according to the FOI request, which was made by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council's response also stated no-one had reached the maximum £1,100 penalty within the last five years.

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