Dog fouling

Dog Fouling is a persistent issue in many communities. The council works to tackle the problem through the Keep Edinburgh Clean campaign. This campaign aims to promote responsible dog ownership by coordinating enforcement action, marketing campaigns, support for community groups and education.

What every dog owner should know:

• anyone who does not immediately clean-up fouling by their dog is committing an offence under the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003
• the law covers all public open spaces
• you must clean-up after your dog on pavements, roads, footpaths, parks, football pitches, communal land, back greens, stairs, closes and any other land open to the public
• you can dispose of your dog’s faeces in your bin at home or in any public litter bin
• those who do not clean-up after their dog can receive a Fixed Penalty of £40 rising to £60 if not paid within 28 days
• Environmental Wardens and Police Officers will issue Fixed Penalty Notices
• the City of Edinburgh Council recognises that the majority of dog owners act responsibly and clean-up after their dogs - don't be in the minority
• more than 351 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued to irresponsible dog owners who have broken the law

You can report areas where dog fouling is a persistent problem by contacting the Environmental Wardens team on 0131 529 3030 or by e-mailing env.wardens@edinburgh.gov.uk

Support the Keep Edinburgh Clean Campaign

You can help to stamp out dog fouling in your area by running a local campaign. Find out how by calling the Keep Edinburgh Clean Programme Co-ordinator on 0131 469 5393 or by e-mailing Keep Edinburgh Clean

Litter Plan (PDF) (1 MB)