The number of complaints from residents received by Knapton Parish Council about dog poo not being cleared up by dog walkers has increased substantially over the summer despite there being dog poo bins in the parish.

It is illegal to not pick up your dog’s mess from any public place or footpath

Dog fouling is not only deeply unpleasant, it is dangerous. Viruses and diseases such as Coccidia and E.coli can be spread in dog poo, with the chance of passing it onto humans and particularly children playing in prevailing poo areas such as woods and parks. Whilst rare, contact with dog excrement can also cause Toxocariasis – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures.

Since the main responsibility of the Parish Council is to keep residents safe, it is adopting a zero tolerance policy.

The Dog Act of 1996 introduced a law meaning that it is an offence not to clean up after your dog in a public area, space or footpath. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £100 . If you refuse to pay the fine you may be taken to court and prosecuted and if found guilty that fine can rise to £1000.
Please note that dog owners who are registered as blind are exempt from these penalties.

So, if you witness anyone allowing their dog to foul any public path or grass area in the parish of Knapton please report this crime to our Parish Clerk by calling 01263 720356 or by emailing .

The Parish Council is installing cameras at various locations around the parish, which will be moved from time to time, for the specific purpose of catching those thoughtless people who commit this disgusting and avoidable crime with a view to exacting the maximum penalty on each occasion.