IT'S A CRIME

On 17 June 1996 as part of the then government's efforts to clean up the environment  the  DOGS (FOULING OF LAND) ACT 1996 received the Royal assent and passed into law.  The DOE put out a press release entitled 'Poop Scoop -  new Act will help clean up the mess' and dog owners were put on notice that the new law would be rigorously enforced.  The Act more or less abolished existing Local Authority byelaws on the subject, but gave them powers to create 'poop scoop' areas without seeking the approval of central government, and created a new criminal offence of failing to clear up after one's dog.

LOADS OF DOSH

If your dog fouls an area designated as a poop scoop area and you don't clear up you will be liable to a spot fine of £25, and if you don't pay that in 14 days you will be taken to court and prosecuted.  If that happens you will be liable to a fine not exceeding £1000.  It is no defence to say that you did not know that your dog 'went'.  Nor does it matter if at the time you did not have "a device or other suitable means" of removing  the faeces.  This means that all dog owners must possess a scoop of some sort and use it if they want to avoid prosecution.  It also means that you must keep a sharp lookout in case something is done by the beast behind your back.

"I WASN'T THERE"

To be prosecuted successfully

• you must have been 'in charge' of the dog.  You will be 'in charge' if the dog is 'habitually' in your possession.  This means that the offence can be committed even if your dog is out on a jaunt of  his own and does the dirty on you…  er on the pavement, that is.