A new study held by dog marketplace puppies.co.uk has found that there were over 50,000 reports of dog fouling across the country in the past five years.
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A Freedom of Information request placed by the group asked for the number of dog fouling incidents in each English council area, the amount of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued, and the number of enforcement officers responsible for monitoring and addressing the issue.
The report revealed Wolverhampton as the eighth region with the most fines handed out for dog fouling.
The report found that there were 1,269 reports of dog fouling in Wolverhampton over the last five years, with Wolverhampton Council issuing 40 FPNs to dog owners caught letting their pets foul on public land.
The council also received £2,320 in fines, an average of £58 per fine.
A spokesperson for puppies.co.uk said: “Owners are legally required to pick up their dog’s poo in public, and while most regularly do, a worrying number are failing to dispose of their dog’s waste properly.
“Dog waste isn’t just unsightly; it’s a public health risk that can help spread disease. So, it’s important to be a responsible dog owner and ensure you’re doing your bit to look after your local area, keeping it tidy and hygienic for everyone.”
In the list of authorities, Chorley Council had the most reports of fouling (6,576), followed by Sunderland City Council (5,056) and Erewash Borough Council (4,047).
Barnsley Council was found to have issued the most FPNs (283), with Bassetlaw District Council coming second with (115) and Dudley Council third (82).
The spokesperson added: “It’s important to be a responsible dog owner and ensure you’re doing your bit to look after your local area, keeping it tidy and hygienic for everyone.”
