JUST 84 people have been fined in Oxfordshire in the last three-and-half years for dog fouling, figures obtained by the Oxford Mail show.

The fixed penalty notices (FPN) were issued by council officers from April 2011 that brought in £4,025 in fines. It means just one owner is fined a fortnight for not picking up and disposing of dog mess.

And just two people have been taken to court, both of which were a success, which resulted in £200 court costs, our figures show.

Councils and dog walkers said the low number of fines demonstrate the difficulty in catching owners in the act. Other argue that more wardens need to be out on patrol.

Our top stories

Dog owners are legally responsible for cleaning up after their pet and face fines or costs of up to £1,000 at court. Being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a way of cleaning it up is not a reasonable excuse.

Oxford City Council fined 52 people, including nine last year, and took one to court in 2012/13. A total £2,245 was collected in £80 on-the-spot fines.

Spokesman Chofamba Sithole said eight staff members “regularly patrol and issue FPNs” of £80 and the public can report fouling.

He said: “If we attend a site we are highly visible and that in itself is a deterrent.”

St Margaret’s city councillor and dog owner Liz Wade has called for new powers to be used to demand owners put dogs on leads She wants a “public spaces protection order”– which the council has been able to use since October 20 - for Aristotle Lane recreation ground, North Oxford.

She said: “It is not that I don’t think fines are a reasonable thing to do but it is very difficult to fine somebody. They have to be seen with their dog in the act and not cleaning up after them.”

Eynsham Youth FC under-11s manager and dog owner Robbie Watson said football clubs all over the county have problems with dog mess. He said: “I’m not surprised only 84 people have been fined, because you don’t see dog wardens about, so people think they can get away with it.”

Cherwell District Council has six staff and took one owner court in 2011/12 that netted £200 costs. It also gave out 14 fines that brought in £650.

Spokesman Tony Ecclestone said: “Cherwell is keen to hear from members of the public who see dog fouling offences and are prepared to act as witnesses in any action that the council may take.”

Vale of White Horse District Council has seven staff to give out £50 fines. A total 13 were given since 2011 which saw it collect £500.

A spokesman said: “When complaints about dog fouling are received, where possible officers patrol the affected area and give advice to dog walkers. We also provide warning signs to encourage picking up.”

Five were fined and £250 collected by West Oxfordshire District Council, which has nine staff to issue £50 penalties.

Spokeswoman Sara Long said: “Our officers carry out regular patrols to act as a deterrent, and sometimes approach dog walkers to ensure they pick up after their dog and raise awareness of the importance of doing this.”

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.