Is it a legal requirement to carry dog poop bags?
Francisca Durgan
2025-06-03 20:14:48
Count answers: 3
It is a legal requirement to clear up after your dog. Wherever you are in the UK you will face a fine of up to £80 of you fail to clean up your dog’s mess and are caught. You should always carry spare poo bags. If you don’t you could be breaking the law. That’s because, in some parts of the country, you no longer need to be simply spotted failing to pick up the mess, if you are caught out and about without a suitable dog waste bag you may face a fixed penalty notice of up to £100. Dog waste is being taken seriously and it is illegal to not pick up dog poo.
Vita Adams
2025-06-03 19:00:39
Count answers: 2
These new rules legally oblige dog owners to clean up after their pets and carry proof of poo bags. If a council official or enforcement officer asks for proof of a poo bag and the owner fails to provide it, they could be given an on-the-spot £100 fixed penalty notice. Kingdom Local Authority Support (LAS), a community enforcement expert, is advising dog owners to carry at least two dog poo bags each time they walk their dogs. To not get caught out, we’d advise bringing at least two to avoid receiving a fine, even if you’re just out for a short walk. Your dog’s waste is your responsibility and will be recognised as such by enforcement officers.
Breana Kreiger
2025-06-03 18:18:08
Count answers: 1
You should always have a ‘means’ to pick up your dog foul. There is no set limit of dog bags you should carry at any one time, however it is advisable that you carry more than enough to make sure you’re covered for any unforeseen circumstances. What happens if I am stopped by an authorised officer and I don’t have any dog bags with me? You may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecuted.
Trevor Harber
2025-06-03 18:11:48
Count answers: 2
The law states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse. Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100. If the case goes to court this could cost the owner or person in charge of the animal up to £1,000. There is no excuse to leave it. Through our campaigns, we have also highlighted to dog owners that any bin will do for their pet’s mess. While some councils do provide dedicated dog-fouling bins, any public bin can take the waste.
Read also
- What do you put in a dog backpack?
- What do people want in a dog park?
- What do you put in a doggie bag?
- What should be in a dog travel bag?
- Are dog backpacks uncomfortable for dogs?
- Where should a dog backpack sit?
- How to spruce up a dog park?
- What are the cons of dog parks?
- Do dogs like carrying backpacks?