How big is the problem?
Dog fouling has actually reduced over the last decade.
- Estimates put the UK dog population at 6.5 million (Petfood Manufacturers Association, 2003), producing 1,000 tonnes of faeces every day (Cuthbert Jackson, Dog Warden News, 2002)
- In 2004/05 the average number of complaints to local authorities was 194 per authority (Keep Britain Tidy, Control of Dogs Survey, 2005/06)
- 95% of the British public are worried by the amount of dog fouling in public places (Local Government Association)
- 91% of councils employ a dog warden (Keep Britain Tidy, Control of Dogs Survey, 2005)
- Not only is dog fouling unpleasant, it’s dangerous. You can contract Toxocariasis from dog mess, which can lead to blindness
Local Environmental Quality Survey of England 2007/08
Dog fouling has fallen for the second successive year. It was evident on 6% of sites surveyed. Dog fouling has now fallen by 1% in each of the last two years.