§ Mr. GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if local authorities have power to introduce byelaws against dog fouling without the prior approval of his Department. [158663]
Mr. Robert AinsworthLocal authorities do not have the power to introduce dog fouling byelaws without obtaining this Department's approval. However, local authorities can designate areas where it will be an offence for failing to clear up after one's dog under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. In such cases, dog wardens are able to issue fixed penalties of £25 to offenders or 79W take them to court where the maximum fine on conviction would be £1,000, whereas under byelaws the maximum fine is £500.