Environmental Health

• Dog fouling and the law
  
  
• Stray dogs and identification
  
  
• Control of dogs in public places
  
  
• Insurance and health

Our aim is to work together to achieve a cleaner, healthier, safer and more attractive environment for outselves and for visitors to South Ayrshire.

Did you know?

Under the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 you are guilty of an offence if you fail to remove your dogs faeces from any public place and dispose of it properly.

So the message is...

Carry a plastic bag with you at all times and be prepared to clean up after your dog if necessary.  If you prefer you can pick up dog tidy bags at your local library or council office.

You may have noticed dog tidy bins on site in recreational areas throughout South Ayrshire.  Please use these or an ordinary litter bin to dispose of your used plastic bags.

You can be charged by the Police or an Enforcement Officer from South Ayrshire Council and may be liable to a fixed penalty fine for failing to clean up after your dog.

South Ayrshire Council operates a Dog Warden Service to tackle the problem of stray dogs on our streets.  These animals can be frightening to children and elderly people.   If you want to report a stray or pack of dogs please call -

01292 618222 The Dog Warden
(during normal office hours)

In any public place your dog must wear a collar and tag.  If it is not wearing one you are breaking the law. 
You could be prosecuted.

and don't forget...
Your dog is not permitted to be out unattended.

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 149 the Dog Warden has the power to seize stray dogs.  An attempt will be made to return a stray to its owner if it can be identified by its collar and tag.  However, it will be taken to kennels if:

• It has been seized before by the Dog Warden
  
• Its owner it not at home to receive it
  
• It does not bear any identification

If your dog is taken to kennels you will have to pay a fee plus boarding costs before you can take it home.

A well trained dog is a pleasure to walk.  It is also safer for you, for the dog and others you come across.  Start training your dog to walk properly on a lead as early as possible.  Keep it on a lead and under your control in all public places.

In the countryside...

Be particulary careful to keep control of your dog near farmland.  If a farmer sees your dog worrying his livestock he is legally entitled to shoot it.

... and in the town

Consider taking our third party insurance cover for your dog - you could be held liable for damages under the Animal (Scotland) Act 1987 if it causes an accident.

It is important for your dog's health to keep its vaccinations and worming programmes up to date.  This helps to prevent the spread of disease and enables your vet to give your dog a regular general health check.  Do remember also that human health can be at risk from the presence of the toxicara canis worm which may exist in dog dirt.   This can, in extreme cases cause blindness.  Children are particularly vulnerable.  Set a good example and wash your hands after handling pets.

With the Police...

South Ayrshire Council is working closely with Strathclyde Police and their efforts to reduce dog fouling in our area by prosecuting offenders.  Fixed penalty fines can be applied for this offence and every effort is being made to bring offenders to court.

With you...

We need you to understand your responsibilities as a dog owner and to accept that stray dogs and fouling are totally unacceptable in our communities.  If we work together we can make a visible improvement to our environment.