Written question asked by Damian Green (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 April 2001. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Monday, 23 April 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if local authorities have power to introduce byelaws against dog fouling without the prior approval of his Department. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if local authorities have power to introduce byelaws against dog fouling without the prior approval of his Department. [158663] Mr. Robert Ainsworth: Local authorities do not have the power to introduce dog fouling byelaws without obtaining this Department's approval. However, local authorities can designate areas where it will be an offence for failing to clear up after one's dog under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. In such cases, dog wardens are able to issue fixed penalties of £25 to offenders or take them to court where the maximum fine on conviction would be £1,000, whereas under byelaws the maximum fine is £500.

Secondary information