Dog Walkers – Clean It Up!

New legislation means dog walkers must clean up after their dog in any public open space throughout the borough.

Lead Cllr for Licensing and Community Safety, Cllr Graham Ellwood explains: “We want to encourage responsible dog ownership and make Guildford a healthier borough. Dog mess is unsightly and potentially very harmful. Already, in many parts of our borough, dog walkers have to clean up immediately after their dog. Following changes in national legislation, and your feedback in our public consultation, we have increased this to cover all public spaces in the borough, including woodland and heathland.”

There is no change to the current penalty. People caught failing to clean up immediately after their dogs can be given a fixed penalty notice. If the fine is not paid within 14 days, or if the same person is caught again in the future, we will prosecute. Dog fouling is an offence and carries a fine of up to £1,000.

“We want people to clear it up and take it home or bin it. Leaving it is not an option – any bin will do. If it’s wrapped, it doesn’t have to be a dog waste bin,” adds Cllr Ellwood.

Our dog warden will be out and about in the new year at the following popular dog walking areas throughout the borough to provide information, raise awareness and answer questions about the new rules:
10 January – Puttenham Common top car park
17 January – Newlands Corner
24 January – Whitmoor Common.

Visits to Pewley Downs, Ripley Green, and Ash Ranges / Coronation Gardens in February are also planned – look out for more information on social media nearer the time.