Wandsworth council to clamp down on dog owners who flout dog poo laws

Wandsworth council is clamping down on dog owners who fail to clear up their pets' mess, as an increasing number of owners are shirking the responsibility.

A boom in dog ownership during the pandemic seems to have prompted something of a poodemic.

Divert, the rubbish collection company, says dog poo has increased 200% on Britain's streets since lockdowns began in March 2020.

Around south west London, evidence of such an increase is littered for all to see.

In Clapham, local resident Harry Peters noticed the issue worsen yet further over summer and said dog owners are behaving awfully.

"I think it reflects a general decline in the concept of civic responsibility to wider society," said Peters, who lives opposite Clapham Common on the Wandsworth side of town. "People expect others to sort their shit out. Literally."

The 32-year-old doesn't blame the council, but thinks there should be bigger fines for offenders and more shaming of owners who flout such a simple responsibility.

"Social shaming is shown to work," said Peters, early compliance with lockdown rules being a case in point. "Everyone else is doing it, why aren't you?"

Councillor Steffi Sutters, cabinet member for community services and open spaces said: "Not clearing up dog mess is totally unacceptable behaviour and will not be tolerated.

"People who do this are irresponsible and are also potentially putting children at risk of catching toxocariasis from infected dog mess.

"This is a rare infection caused by roundworm parasites and children can catch it from infected animal poo after innocently putting their hands in their mouths, after handling soil or shoes contaminated with animal poo, including dog mess.

"So, if you see anyone fail to clear up after their dog, get in touch and let us know asap."

Neighbourhood Dog Poo Patrols

Wandsworth council has announced a number of ways it will be clamping down on the unacceptable behaviour.

Areas of Wandsworth where residents have reported concerns will be patrolled by enforcement officers more regularly.

Signs will be put up warning owners to clear up after their dogs or face a fixed penalty of at least £100, with a maximum fine of £2,500 for more serious offences.

Residents are also being invited to set up 'dog poo patrols' in their neighbourhoods, whereby dog watch signs will be installed warning offenders an increased surveillance of the area means they are being watched.

Letters will be sent to residents in the neighbourhood re-iterating how dog mess offenders can be reported.

To set up a dog watch area in your neighbourhood, contact the council at [email protected]

Report dog mess offenders

Dog mess offenders can be reported online or by calling 020 8871 8558 (select option 2 for fly-tipping) and the council told about dog poo that needs clearing up.

Details to include:

• The circumstances, e.g. if you saw the dog mess offender, the date and time it took place and a description of the dog owner and the dog.
• Take a picture of the incident, making sure you don't put yourself or others at risk to do this.
• Location: side of the road, park etc…and whether it was on private or council land.