Animal fouling and dead animals

Information on how to deal with animal waste and dead animals.

Animal fouling

Each day dogs produce vast amounts of excrement. Much of this is left on footpaths and playing fields and at best can cover shoes and clothes and at worst can lead to blindness due to an infection called 'Toxocara canis'.

Local Bye Laws exist controlling dog fouling on footways and some grass verges.  The Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005 has now replaced these bye laws and covers a wider range of places within the Borough. Fixed penalty notices will be given to people who do not clean up after their dogs.

Solutions:

• if you have a garden encourage the dog to 'go' there. You can then bury the mess or alternatively clean it up and bin it.
• if you walk your dog always carry the means to clear up after your dog. A simple plastic bag will do the trick or obtain free poop scoops bags from your local council office or alternatively purchase from a local pet shop. Remember to take a bag or poop scoop like you'd remember a lead.
• every time your dog fouls "bag it and bin it". Take the poop scoop home and dispose of it there. Remember Rain does not wash the problem away.
• never let your dog out alone to "go to the loo".

It is every dog owners duty to clean up after their dog.

There are no excuses, fouling is unacceptable!

Contact with canine excrement can lead to blindness due to an infection called 'Toxocara canis'.

If you have any questions or complaints, please contact the Dog Warden on 020 8207 7435 or email environmental.health@hertsmere.gov.uk or you can report dog mess or fouling using the online form.

Dead animal

The council provides a free service for the removal of dead animals from all public accessible areas.

We do not remove dead animals from private residences.

If you are aware of a dead animal in a public area that requires the council's removal please fill in our online form.

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