From Monday 29 June, dog walkers in the UK face on-the-spot fines of up to £500 for dog fouling under the Crime & Policing Act 2026. The legislation significantly increases the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs) from the previous cap of £100 to £500.
New Powers for Local Authorities
John Roberts, chief services officer of Kingdom Local Authority Support, explained: “The Crime & Policing Act 2026 is due to give local authorities unprecedented powers to combat issues such as dog fouling and public drinking. The legislation increases the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) level for breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs) from £100 to £500.”
Why the Change?
The increase aims to deter dog owners from failing to clean up after their pets. Dog mess is unpleasant, spoils the environment and may carry infectious diseases that can seriously harm people, according to experts. Local councils have tried to make it easy for owners to clean up by providing dog-waste bins in parks.
How to Avoid the Fine
Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog. Simply put dog mess in a tightly sealed bag and then into one of the dog-waste bins, take it home and put it in your household waste, or place the bagged waste into a street litter bin. Remember to take bags or a scoop when walking your dog.
Not an Automatic Increase
John Roberts noted: “It’s important to note that this is not an automatic increase, but it does give councils the ability to set penalties at a higher level where appropriate.” Some areas are under Dog Control Orders, and there will usually be signs showing where these orders are in force. Councils can also issue a fixed penalty notice for dog fouling and dog nuisance in accordance with the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
