Dog owners in Rushcliffe warned pick up after your pet or face £100 fine
Last updated: 21/9/2026
Dog owners in Rushcliffe are being reminded to pick up after their pooch and carry a bag or have other means to collect their waste or face a possible £100 fine.
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) has thanked the vast majority of owners who always responsibly pick up after their pet but aware unfortunately not all follow the rules.
Action around it continues on engaging and educating dog owners on their responsibilities, responding to complaints, monitoring hotspot areas and applying the fixed penalties where necessary.
There are also patrols to ensure dogs are kept on a lead in the current ‘dogs on lead’ specified areas such as at Rushcliffe Country Park and always in line with local signage at each site.
Dog fouling on public footpaths and playing fields can cause many problems and in the worst cases can lead to blindness due to an infection called toxocariasis caused by the round worm Toxocara Canis found in dog faeces.
A Borough-wide Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), exists for all residents’ protection. Measures include a maximum of six dogs can be walked at any one time and four in some locations including Gresham Sports Park and Alford Road in West Bridgford.
The PSPO also allows for further action to be taken on those who do not observe dog exclusion zones which apply to all children's play areas, multi-use games areas, skate parks and gym equipment zones which are either fenced or enclosed across the Borough.
The Green Line Local Wildlife Site in West Bridgford is one example of where additional measures have been introduced to help reduce dog fouling offences across the borough.
Working in partnership with the volunteer group, The Friends of The Green Line, who dedicate countless hours to conserving and maintaining the site, RBC has installed additional dog fouling signage at key locations to help deter offending.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Wellbeing and ICT Cllr Jonathan Wheeler recently joined Friends of The Green Line volunteer Chris Slater, Waste Investigations Support & Enforcement (WISE) Officers and RBC’s Principal Officer Phil Scotney to discuss the ongoing action being taken to tackle dog fouling.
Cllr Wheeler said: “I recently visited The Green Line conservation site to help raise awareness of dog fouling and send a clear message that it will not be tolerated there or anywhere across the borough.
“We hope the new signage will serve as a reminder to dog walkers that failing to clean up after their pets is unacceptable and could result in a £100 fixed penalty notice.
“I would like to thank the vast majority of responsible dog owners who do the right thing and clean up after their pets. For the small minority who disregard the rules, be aware that we actively monitor problem areas and issue fines, including to those who fail to carry dog waste bags when required.
“We remain committed to protecting residents and keeping our communities clean and safe. Dog fouling is not only unpleasant and unsightly, but it can also pose a risk to public health. We will continue to take action wherever necessary, particularly in areas where local concerns have been identified.”
Friends of The Green Line Secretary Chris Slater added: “We have a terrific group of volunteers who are beginning this season's work to keep The Green Line ready for dog walkers, joggers and nature lovers. It is unfair that they have to worry about dog fouling as they work. This initiative will hopefully improve the situation."
Managing Director of Waste Investigations Support & Enforcement (WISE) Warren Hodgson said: “We are proud to continue working in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council to help keep the borough’s parks, open spaces and communities clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone.
“Our approach is always centred on positive engagement and education. The overwhelming majority of dog owners in Rushcliffe are responsible, considerate and clean up after their pets, and it is important that we recognise and thank them for doing the right thing.
“Our Environmental Enforcement Officers spend time speaking with residents and dog walkers, providing advice and helping people understand their responsibilities under the Council’s Public Space Protection Order. Where concerns are raised, we can also work with the Council to focus patrols on identified locations and areas where additional attention is needed.
“Unfortunately, there remains a small minority who do not act responsibly. Dog fouling is unpleasant, has an impact on the local environment and can present a public health risk, particularly in areas used by children and families. Where offences are identified, our officers are trained to take appropriate and proportionate enforcement action.
“The work at The Green Line is a good example of what can be achieved through partnership working between the Council, WISE, local volunteers and the wider community. Education, visible patrols and clear signage all have an important role to play in encouraging responsible behaviour and preventing offences before they occur.
“Ultimately, our shared objective is not about issuing Fixed Penalty Notices; it is about encouraging responsible behaviour and helping Rushcliffe remain a clean and welcoming place for residents, visitors and responsible dog owners alike.”