Is the fouling of public paths by dogs an offence?
This is an offence if a relevant bylaw is in force on the path in question, and in any case it may amount to a common law nuisance. It is also an offence if the local Council has designated the land under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, although a lot of land types cannot be designated. Dog fouling may also be a civil wrong against the landowner. Even where an offence is not committed it is still good practice to clear up after your dog.
