Proposed Penalties for Public Urination and Dog Fouling

Individuals found urinating or defecating in public spaces, or neglecting to collect dog waste, may face a £100 fine, in response to numerous reported occurrences. According to a report presented to York City Council, 562 instances of public urination were reported in March, alongside 280 requests for dog faeces cleanup since January. The report indicated that implementing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) would equip the council with a more adaptable and prompt enforcement tool. A decision on whether to initiate public consultation regarding these proposals is expected from the council at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Data from the Local Democracy Reporting Service, citing council figures, revealed that York’s Business Improvement District (BID) recorded 4,194 requests for urine cleanup and an additional 2,058 requests concerning human biohazard fluid over the 12-month period ending in March. The report noted that the 562 urination incidents in March represented the highest monthly total recorded within that year. Subsequently, only one individual has faced prosecution for public urination or defecation. In the period from 2023 to 2024, three prosecutions occurred, while the preceding year saw 20 prosecutions. Furthermore, council data indicates that requests for faeces cleanup, including dog faeces, averaged 35 per month up to August. The total number of such requests in 2023 was 403, a decrease from the peak of 472 recorded in 2021. A report detailing the proposals explained that implementing Fixed Penalty Notices with £100 fines, reducible to £75 for prompt payment, would align penalties for dog fouling more closely with the £120 fines for littering. The PSPO would also incorporate regulations mandating dog owners to maintain control over their animals. “The introduction of a fixed penalty option will allow for the offences to be treated more proportionately and for a staged approach to enforcement to be taken.“A summary conviction will still be sought for repeat offenders and/or aggravating circumstances.” The report further noted that the revenue generated by this change is projected to be “less than £10,000”.