Top councillor reminds dog owners to pick up their pet's poo as Doncaster Council income from fines revealed

A senior councillor from the City of Doncaster Council has reminded residents to pick up after their dogs, after it was revealed the council received thousands of pounds from related fines.

Since the start of 2021, people who have failed to pick up their pet’s stool have ended up paying a combined £5,000, a freedom of information request revealed.

Councillor Gemma Cobby, cabinet member for regulation and enforcement, planning and safer Communities, said: “Dog fouling spoils our neighbourhoods and outdoor spaces and we know that it is a big concern for residents.

“While we know that many dog owners are responsible and courteous, there are some who do choose to flout these rules. Therefore, our enforcement officers vigilantly watch out for these offences and can take proactive action against those responsible. However, this relies on them witnessing the offences taking place by using intel from residents.”

According to the authority’s website, Doncaster Council issues a £100 on-the-spot fixed penalty to people caught not picking up after their dogs, but this can rise by a further £1,000 if the fine goes unpaid.

The freedom of information request stated no one had reached the maximum £1,100 penalty since 2021.

It also revealed the council is willing to chase these fines through the courts if they are unpaid, with 12 going to court during the same time period – eight in 2023.

Of the £5,000 earned since January 2021, the council received £1,600 in penalties in 2024 alone.

Coun Cobby said a recent consultation with residents in Doncaster showed strong support for the renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) requiring dog owners to pick up their pet’s faeces.

She added: “Residents can help us more effectively crack down on these dog fouling issues by reporting the description of perpetrators, as well as the time and location of incidents, through to the council to investigate and regularly monitor the area. This will also notify our Street Scene services to clear up the waste.

“I’d like to once again take this opportunity to remind residents that, if they are walking their dog anywhere in our city, they must make sure that they have means to pick up after it and take their bags to the bin once they’ve been filled. Otherwise, they will risk facing a hefty fine.”