Due to essential maintenance, the following systems will be unavailable from 3.00pm on Friday 31 March until 8.00am Monday 3 April 2023: our online council tax, business rates and housing benefit services, and our welfare assistance form. You will also not be able to register to pay council tax online, make a change of address for council tax or cancel single person discount. You are still able to make a payment during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

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.