Dog fouling

Dog fouling data

We collect data through robust litter surveys using GLÂN (Geospatial Litter Analysis) – our world‑leading methodology for monitoring and analysing litter trends.

These figures show the extent of dog fouling across Wales last year in publicly accessible areas including streets, car parks, parks and green spaces, and designated bathing water beaches.

For all the latest litter survey results, visit our litter data page.

Litter data

13.7%

sites had dog fouling

214263

estimated instances of dog fouling

48.9%

instances of dog fouling were bagged

Ralph the terrier sat on the lap of his owner

Dog fouling and the law

By law, dog owners must pick up faeces left by their dog in public spaces. If they do not, they can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice, which gives them an opportunity to avoid prosecution by the court, by paying a sum of money (in this case, for £75).

Picking up after your dog is easy, and freshly deposited faeces are not infectious. Although there are lots of dog fouling bins around, bagged dog fouling can also be disposed of in general litter bins. If there isn’t a bin nearby, it should be disposed of responsibly back home.

Tackling the issue

In 2025 we relaunched our ‘Leave Only Pawprints’ campaign to encourage dog owners to help keep our shared spaces clean and safe. It featured bright pink materials designed to nudge people into making the right decision.

Click the link to download our Leave Only Pawprints Toolkit, or head straight to our Brandbag site to download posters and social media graphics #BagItBinIt.

Download the toolkit Go to Brandbag

Guidance and research

View all

Our research shows a clear link between dog fouling and the health status of the dogs themselves. Dogs that aren’t routinely wormed will shed harmful parasites, which can pose risks to people, other pets, and local wildlife when left in public spaces. Responsible dog ownership – including regular worming and cleaning up after your pet – is essential to keeping our communities safe.
Dr Russ Morphew Reader in biochemistry and parasitology at Aberystwyth University