West Lindsey District Council have resolved to adopt the provisions of The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 and have declared that all of the District of West Lindsey be designated land to which the Act will apply.

The effect of this decision is that it will be an offence for an owner to allow a dog to foul, without cleaning up the mess, any area in the open air, including covered land which is open to the air on at least one side, and to which the public have access with or without payment.

The Act does specifically exclude some areas and these are:

The intentions of West Lindsey District Council have been advertised in local newspapers asking for representations to be made regarding the proposal. No representations were received so the decision to proceed was made; the designation order was declared and came into operation on 1 July 1997.

As a result of the above, it is now an offence not to clean up after a dog has fouled most roads, footpaths, grass verges, playing fields, parks and other public areas in towns and villages in West Lindsey. Registered blind persons are excluded from the requirements of the Act

It must be stressed that it is not an offence to allow a dog to foul, the offence is not cleaning up afterwards. Dog owners should therefore always 'be prepared' when out with their dog as it is not a defence to claim that they did not have the facilities to dean up.

Anyone found guilty of an offence under this Act can face a fine of up to £1,000, although West Lindsey have decided to operate a fixed penalty scheme where offenders are given the option of paying a fixed fine of £25 and avoiding a court hearing.

Existing 'no fouling' and 'poop scoop' byelaws will cease to have effect in any areas where these new regulations are in force. 'Dogs on Leads' or 'Dog Ban' byelaws will still be enforceable in areas where they are currently in force.

Further information regarding the above provisions can be obtained from Mrs A. Mappin, the Council’s Dog Warden, on Gainsborough (01427) 615411.