1. Report dog mess
Discovering dog fouling is unpleasant and can be a health hazard. The dog warden will investigate all complaints of dog fouling, patrol problem areas and prosecute offenders.
Dog fouling is a serious offence. If you would like 'No Fouling' signs put up where you live, please contact the dog warden.
From 1 April 2019, we introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at reducing irresponsible dog ownership and making Teignbridge an even cleaner and greener place.
When reporting dog fouling we suggest you download the What3Words app; this means we can now respond to exact locations in very rural areas or in a town environment to find the issue to be dealt with.
The app helps us to find the exact location of the dog fouling by giving small areas 3 unique words. When giving details of the location in our online form, please use the 3 words generated by the app in the location details box.
All the emergency services in Devon and Cornwall are now also using the app as a back up to their other location finding systems, so you may find the app useful in future too.
Toxocariasis
Dog fouling is unsightly and unpleasant and must be picked up straight away. There is an illness that humans can get from the dog faeces called Toxocariasis which is caused by a parasite known as Toxocara Canis (more commonly known as Roundworm). These parasites live in the digestive system of dogs. Eggs can be released in the faeces of infected animals and then contaminated the soil. If someone ingests infected material the eggs may hatch into larvae and can lead to Toxocariasis which causes serious illness and even blindness. You can reduce the health risk to the public by regularly worming your dog.
You can be fined if your dog is out of control in public or you do not pick up after it.
If you ignore a PSPO you can be fined:
- £100 on the spot (a fixed penalty notice)
- up to £1,000 if it goes to court
You can report it to us and our dog warden will investigate all complaints of dog fouling, patrol problem areas and prosecute offenders.
Start the journey
More info about the journey
When reporting breaches of the PSPO, any of the following information will be helpful:
• The time/date/location of incident
• The frequency of the offence if it happens regularly
• A description/breed of the dog
• Any other descriptions to help identify the offender, including their name and address if known
Our Cleansing Services team will clear the mess and our dog warden will investigate.