Responsible dog owners have been, and always will be, welcome in Bath and North East Somerset.  However, dog fouling is a major concern for many residents.

The area has an approximate dog population of 16,000.  Between them they produce around 4,000 kg – four tonnes – of waste every day.  That adds up to 28 tonnes a week, 104 tonnes a month and a staggering 1,248 tonnes a year.  If this is left in parks and open spaces, it can be very unpleasant, and in some cases a health hazard.

Dogs faeces can cause problems to users of parks, play areas and sports grounds and can carry numerous causes of diseases, the main disease being Toxocariasis, which can ultimately lead to blindness and, in some cases, even death.

Bath and North East Somerset Council have installed dog bins in most parks and open spaces.  Some are maintained by the Council, others are maintained by Parish Councils.  The bins are green or red in colour and are all marked with a dog logo.  If your dog fouls in a designated area, and no dog bins are available, then ordinary litterbins can be used.  If no bins are available, then you should take the faeces home, double wrap in another plastic bag, and dispose of with the normal household rubbish.

Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996