Responsible dog ownership campaign
Find out about our education, engagement and enforcement approach to encourage responsible dog ownership.

We carry out responsible dog ownership campaigns in hotspot areas countywide. Education and engagement involves:
- our anti-dog fouling mascot Scoop the dog visiting schools to educate youngsters on the importance of being a responsible dog owner
- free dog micro chipping events
- street signage erected in hotspot dog fouling areas to encourage people to pick up after their dog
- increased Neighbourhood wardens in target areas to catch those who fall foul of the law.
Being a responsible dog owner
A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) means we can fine irresponsible dog owners. Find out more on Enforcement powers for irresponsible dog owners.
Top tips
- Your dog must be walked and exercised with a responsible dog owner present.
- Never allow your dog to wander, roam loose or exercise on its own.
- You must pick up after your dog and dispose of waste properly.
- Bagged dog foul can be put in public waste bins or you can take your bagged dog waste home with you and place it into your household rubbish bin.
- Please do not put dog waste in your recycling bin as it will contaminate your recycling.
- Your dog must be microchipped.
- Your dog must always wear a collar and identification tag, with contact details, so your dog can be identified if it becomes lost or a stray dog.
Your dog must wear a tag
The Control of Dogs Order 1992 states that all dogs must wear a collar and ID tag when out in public. This tag must detail the owner's name and address and applies whether your dog is on a lead or not. Contravention of this order is an offence and risks a fine of up to £2000.
The legislation states there are exemptions, including:
- any pack of hounds
- any dog while being used for sporting purposes
- any dog while being used for the capture or destruction of vermin
- any dog while being used for the driving or tending of cattle or sheep
- any dog while being used on official duties by a member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces or Her Majesty's Customs and Excise or the police force for any area
- any dog while being used in emergency rescue work
- any dog registered with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Dog micro chipping
Report dog fouling
Report dog fouling online or contact us.

In partnership with
- Love where you live
- Civic Pride
- civicpride@durham.gov.uk
- 03000 26 0000
-
Our address is:
- Durham County Council
- Chilton Industrial Estate
- Chilton
- County Durham
- United Kingdom
- DL17 0SD