Skip to content
Rubbish bins icon

Dog fouling

How we are tackling the problem of dog fouling and how you can help report it.

Dog owners' responsibilities

The following behaviour is against the law and may result in a £100 fine, up to a maximum of £1,000 if prosecuted:

  • failure to pick up and dispose of your dog’s mess from any public space
  • not putting or keeping a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer in any public space
  • allowing a dog to enter an area from which dogs are excluded.

People who are registered blind, disabled, or otherwise rely on dogs are exempt from the dog fouling order.

Report dog fouling

  • Download the Love Clean Streets app to your phone. From Google Play or the Apple store.

  • Log into your My Islington account. If you don’t have an account and want to track your reports and access more services like council tax, register now.

  • Report anonymously through the Love Clean Streets website. You won’t be able to track your report if you choose this option.

How we tackle dog fouling

  • advising and educating dog owners about responsible dog ownership
  • placing signs that highlight the laws and penalties on all litter bins and in parks and estates
  • patrolling local areas looking out for dog owners breaking the law.

The vast majority of dog owners have a responsible attitude but in some cases it is necessary to issue fixed penalty notices and even prosecute offenders as a last resort.

Dog exclusion zones

Dog exclusion area allow us to stop dogs from entering certain areas, like children’s play areas and sports courts. There will be signs to let you know it is an exclusion zone.

Dog on leads order

This stops owners from exercising dogs off-lead on roads, car parks, churchyards and communal areas on estates.

Dogs on leads by direction order gives authorised council officers the power to request that dogs are put on leads where they are not under the appropriate control of their owner, or where they are causing damage or acting aggressively.

More information

Please use the links below to view more information about your rights as a dog owner from the Kennel Club and advice on looking after your dog from the Dog’s Trust.

See information about reporting dangerous dog behaviour.

Was this information helpful?



Data protection: We will handle your personal information in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and in accordance with the council’s Fair Processing Notice.