The Risk of not carrying a Dog Poo Bag and The Law
Did you know you could be fined £100 for not carrying a dog poo bag if challenged?
That's right—even not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse under the law! This might sound harsh, but it highlights just how serious the issue of dog fouling is.
For responsible dog owners across the UK, cleaning up after their pet is a fundamental duty. However, a lesser-known but increasingly enforced legal requirement dictates that dog walkers must always carry the "means to pick up" dog waste. Failure to produce a simple dog waste bag when challenged by an authorised officer can result in an on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of up to £100.
The Power of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)
This strict enforcement power stems from local authority regulations known as Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), established under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. While the original law targets the act of dog fouling, the PSPO introduces a crucial element: penalising the lack of preparedness.
Many councils have used PSPOs to shift the law's focus, making it mandatory to carry a means of disposal. This provides enforcement officers with a clear, immediate criterion: if you cannot produce a bag, you are in breach of the order.
The "Means to Pick Up" Rule in Practice
The rule is designed to ensure owners are always ready. Community experts advise carrying at least two bags to account for multiple events or proving compliance upon challenge.
Local council FAQs confirm this proactive stance. Rushcliffe Borough Council explicitly states that if a dog walker is stopped without bags, they "may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecuted."
Crucially, you can be fined even if your dog has not fouled. News outlets have highlighted cases, such as a woman in Northampton fined £100 simply because she was unable to produce a bag when asked, demonstrating that the failure to carry a bag, in itself, constitutes a breach of the local PSPO.
Penalties and Enforcement
The standard on-the-spot fine for breaching this PSPO requirement is £100 FPN. If this notice is ignored or challenged, the case can proceed to court, where total costs (including court costs and surcharges) can escalate significantly, potentially exceeding £400.
The national charity Keep Britain Tidy confirms that not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse under the law. The requirement to prove readiness is now a mandated part of responsible dog ownership in many boroughs.
Responsibility and Exemptions
The intent of the law is to combat persistent fouling and the associated health risks. While the rules are strict, the law generally allows exemptions for individuals using a registered assistance dog or those who cannot physically comply due to a disability.
For the general public, the message is clear: the onus is entirely on the owner to be prepared. The evolution of dog fouling legislation means the new legal reality in the UK is that you can be fined not for what your dog has done, but for what you, as the owner, cannot prove you are ready to do.
Using Margopop compostable bags ensures you’re prepared and compliant. Made from Cornstarch, PBAT, and PLA, they’re strong, leak-proof, and fully compostable. With flat-top and tie-handle options and boxes of 18, 36, or 72 rolls, you’ll always have the right supply for every walk.
To Learn More
- Keep Britain Tidy: Dog fouling & the law - Keep Britain Tidy
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InYourArea: Dog owners should carry two poo bags or risk £100 fine - InYourArea
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LADbible: Woman fined £100 on the spot after her dog didn't do a poo - LADbible
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Rushcliffe Borough Council (PSPO FAQ): PSPO Frequently asked Questions - Rushcliffe Borough Council
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London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (Responsible Dog Ownership Protection Order): Responsible dog ownership protection order | London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham