New dog walking rule from Monday with UK households facing £500 fine

A law change means dog walkers risk hefty fines, with local authorites soon able to fine people up to £500 for dog fouling. James Rodger Content Editor, 29 Jun 2026Updated A law change means dog walkers risk hefty fines, with local authorites soon able to fine people up to £500 for dog fouling. A new law means dog walkers can be hit with £500 on-the-spot fines starting from THIS WEEK. A law change means dog walkers risk hefty fines, with local authorites soon able to fine people up to £500 for dog fouling. ‌ As of Monday, June 29, the Crime & Policing Act 2026 will give authorities more say when it comes to tackling dog fouling. The maximum Fixed Penalty Notice for breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders and Community Protection Notices is being increased. ‌ The fines will be hiked £400 from the previous capped figure of £100. John Roberts, chief services officer of Kingdom Local Authority Support, said: “The Crime & Policing Act 2026 is due to give local authorities unprecedented powers to combat issues such as dog fouling and public drinking.“ ‌ Younger drivers under age 24 face new curfew rule from October 1 “The legislation increases the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) level for breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs) from £100 to £500,” John added. ‌ Dog mess is unpleasant, spoils the environment and may carry infectious diseases that can seriously harm people, according to experts. It's your responsibility to clean up after your dog. Local councils have tried to make it easy for you to clean up after your dog -waste bins in parks. Simply put dog mess in a tightly sealed bag and then into one of the dog-waste bins, take it home and put it in your household waste, or place the bagged waste into a street litter bin. Article continues below Remember to take bags or a scoop when walking your dog, too. “It’s important to note that this is not an automatic increase, but it does give councils the ability to set penalties at a higher level where appropriate," John said. Some areas are under Dog Control Orders, and there will usually be signs showing where these orders are in force. Councils can issue a fixed penalty notice for dog fouling and dog nuisance in accordance with the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. Choose Birmingham Live as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.