Owners could be issued with an on-the-spot fine if they do not comply
09:57, 14 Jan 2026Updated 12:02, 14 Jan 2026
Community protection specialists have warned dog owners to remember to stock up on an essential item before taking their dog out for a walk, or risk a £100 on-the-spot fine if they fail to show proof. Millions of dog owners across the UK routinely walk their four-legged friends through parks and nature reserves each day.
However, recent updates to regulations for many councils across the UK over the last several months, with more to come, mean failing to show you are carrying a sufficient supply could cost them up to £100 each. Community enforcement specialists at Kingdom Local Authority Support (LAS) are urging dog owners to ensure they take at least two dog poo bags each time they go out to walk their dog.
This comes after a rise in updates to Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) being put in place across the country. The regulations would make it a legal requirement for owners to clean up after their dogs and make them liable to be asked for proof of poo bags if asked by council officials or enforcement officers.
This could mean failing to provide evidence of a poo bag while walking your four-legged friend in a public space could see you given a £100 fixed penalty notice (FPN) on the spot. The amount could increase to £1,000 if the case goes to court.
Dog fouling is an issue in the UK, with local authorities contending with hundreds of incidents each year and it is notoriously difficult to police. Research undertaken by pet insurance company Petplan found that from 2017 to 2021 there was over 88,000 incidents of dog fouling, although the true number is likely higher.
Chief Services Officer at Kingdom Local Authority Support (LAS), John Roberts, said: "Given these new rules are being increasingly adopted by councils across the country – our advice, at Kingdom, is to bring at least two bags on each dog walk. Unfortunately, there are a portion of people who intentionally and repeatedly breach these rules.
"We want people to be aware a PSPO could have been brought into their local area, and a breach of these rules would constitute an immediate FPN of up to £100. To not get caught out, we’d advise bringing at least two to avoid receiving a fine, even if you’re just out for a short walk. It’s important people think and ensure they are being responsible. Your dog’s waste is your responsibility and will be recognised as such by enforcement officers."
In several places in the UK, there are updated rules called Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) that make dog owners carry poop bags and show them if someone asks. This includes areas like East Lindsey, Boston in Lincolnshire, Canterbury, Westmorland and Furness in South Lakes, Merthyr Tydfil, and some parts of London, such as Hammersmith and Fulham.
If dog owners fail to follow these rules, they may be fined, typically around £100. These orders aim to address dog mess and bad behaviour, granting council officers the authority to issue fines if people fail to use bags or fail to clean up after their dogs. However, the enforcement of these rules can vary from place to place.
In the UK, there is no law requiring a specific number of dog poop bags, such as two, when it comes to Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). What you really need to do is carry enough bags or have a way to clean up after your dog if an authorised officer asks you to.
For instance, Rushcliffe Borough Council says: "There is no set limit of dog bags you should carry at any one time, however it is advisable that you carry more than enough to make sure you’re covered for any unforeseen circumstances."
Several councils in the UK are introducing or considering new Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to address anti-social behaviour in various locations. For example, Preston City Council plans to launch a new PSPO in Inner East Preston beginning December 23, 2025, to address ongoing anti-social behaviour in the St Matthews and Fishwick areas. Meanwhile, Reading Borough Council is set to approve a new PSPO following positive feedback from the public consultation.
Malvern Hills District Council, which has enforced PSPOs for years, has guidance online on what dog walkers can expect. It says: "We would urge dog owners to take a handful of bags with them on every walk –you never know when your dog might decide to go twice. However, officers will take a common-sense approach to the new powers. The FPNs are not in place as a money-making scheme or to ‘catch-out’ responsible owners.
"Officers will generally approach people at the start of their walk – at the entrance to parks or in car parks at popular dog walking spots – when owners would be expected to have a supply of bags with them. Officers will also be reasonable when considering any explanation offered as to why a person is not carrying bags."
Public Spaces Protection Orders
Some public areas in England and Wales are covered by Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) - previously called Dog Control Orders (DCOs). In public areas with PSPOs, you may have to:
- keep your dog on a lead
- put your dog on a lead if told to by a police officer, police community support officer or someone from the council
- stop your dog going to certain places - like farmland or parts of a park
- limit the number of dogs you have with you (this applies to professional dog walkers too)
- clear up after your dog
- carry a poop scoop and disposable bags
You can report dog fouling to your local council. If you ignore a PSPO, you can be fined £100 on the spot or up to £1,000 if it goes to court. Local councils must let the public know where PSPOs are in place.
For example, if dogs are not allowed in a park, there must be signs saying so. If the council plans to put a new PSPO in place, it must put up a notice and publish it on its website. The notice must tell you where the new PSPO will apply and if there’s a map and where you can see it.