24/06/2026
🐕 DOG OWNERS: INCREASED FINES OF UP TO £500 UNDER NEW ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR LEGISLATION
From 29 June, new anti-social behaviour legislation will give councils the power to issue increased fines of up to £500 for certain breaches of local dog-control rules.
Examples include:
💩 Not picking up after your dog – increased fines of up to £500
🦮 Ignoring a requirement to keep your dog on a lead in a designated area – increased fines of up to £500
🦮 Failing to put your dog on a lead when instructed to do so – increased fines of up to £500
🚫 Taking your dog into an area where dogs are prohibited – increased fines of up to £500
🏖️ Ignoring dog restrictions on certain beaches – increased fines of up to £500
These rules may be enforced by police officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), and authorised council officers, depending on the circumstances.
Many people see these issues as "something the dog did", but the law places responsibility on the owner.
The vast majority of dog owners are considerate and responsible and will be unaffected by these changes. The purpose of the legislation is to help councils tackle anti-social behaviour and improve the enjoyment of public spaces for everyone.
This is not a new offence of simply walking your dog. It is an increase in the maximum penalty available for certain existing offences.
ℹ️ This is another post in Dog World's Awareness Series, where we aim to explain dog-related laws, welfare issues, responsibilities and topics of interest in plain English.
Previous topics in this series have included:
🐑 Livestock worrying
💩 Dog fouling
🦮 Dangerous Dogs Act guidance
🐾 Responsible dog ownership
📋 Microchipping requirements
Future topics will cover a range of dog welfare, legal and ownership issues.
Follow our page to keep up to date with future awareness posts.
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