» Report online a dog fouling problem

Leaving dogs' mess in public places is anti-social, unsightly, unpleasant and carries a health risk particularly for young children who play in the Borough's parks and open spaces.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 it is an offence for owners to allow their dogs to foul on the public highway or in other public places to which Dog Control Orders applies. Dog owners who are registered blind are exempt from the Act.

Council officers can serve a Fixed Penalty Notice carrying a £75 fine to anyone seen allowing their dog to foul on the public highway and failing to remove it.

Offenders refusing to pay a fixed penalty notice risk prosecution, which could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

» View the dog control order for all highways including roads, footways, footpaths, alleyways and grass verges (263KB PDF file)

» View the dog exclusion orders (296KB PDF file)

» More on dog law

Reporting a dog fouling problem

If you are experiencing a problem with dog fouling in your area or witness a dog owner who allows their dog to foul in a public place without cleaning it up afterwards, you should report it to us with as much information as you can, for example:

  • The location, time and date where the incidence took place
  • Frequency of offence if it happens regularly
  • Description of the dog
  • When the dog is usually walked
  • The owner details and address if known
  • Your contact details

You can by use the online form or you can call Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000.

What happens next?

Your details will be passed to the Enforcement team who will do an initial investigation within 3 days and a decision will be made on what action to take.

Disposing of dog waste

Dog waste can be disposed in the dog waste bins or in the normal litter bins, so long as it is bagged.  The Council arranges for these to be emptied on a regular basis and residents can order free hygienic 'poop a scoop' bags by contacting Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 300 or you can pick the bags up (packs of 50) at:

Waltham Forest Direct Shops

Walthamstow Town Hall Reception

Sycamore House Reception

A maximum of 2 packs per customer are available by visiting any of these locations.

Dog Walkers

You must put your dog on a lead of not more than 8 metres in length and keep it under control in all places except the following where you may run your dogs off the lead.

Dogs off leads areas

» View the dogs on leads order (145KB PDF file)

» View the putting and keeping dogs on leads order (184KB PDF file)

Limit of dogs that can be taken onto land

A person is only allowed to walk a maximum of six dogs on their own at one time under the dog control order.

» View the maximum number of dogs that can be taken onto land order (223KB PDF file)

Dog exclusion

You must not take your dog or dogs into areas where they are specifically prohibited. This will include children's play areas in parks and they will have signage indicating that dogs are prohibited.

» View the dog exclusion orders (296KB PDF file)