Dog Waste Responsibilities

Published: 10 October 2023

Magor with Undy Town Council are very much aware that most of our communities’ dog owners behave responsibly when it comes to the disposal of their dog waste and we anticipate that those dog owners will support the Council in its endeavours to keep Magor with Undy a pleasant, safe and clean environment for all.

Dog Waste Bins are provided by Magor with Undy Town Council for Dog Owners/Walkers to deposit their dogs waste collected when out walking their dog. They are not for the depositing large amounts, such as carrier bags full of excrement that some people will collect from their gardens.

Residents should be aware that Dog Waste from your gardens is considered to be ‘household waste’ and Section 33/34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 imposes a ‘duty of care’ on persons to take all such reasonable measures available to ensure that any transfer of household waste produced on their property is to an authorised person for disposal.

Any person identified in committing this offence will have their details passed to Monmouthshire County Council for consideration of prosecution.

The provision of Dog Waste Bins is for the benefit of our whole community in an effort to ensure that our pavements, grass verges, play areas and public open spaces are kept free of dog excrement in order to safeguard everyone, especially children.

It should be noted that there are Local Authorities, Town and Community Councils that do not provide such facilities but encourage people to deposit dog waste in litter bins or take it home. The Council discussed this last year but concluded that it was not the best system and have remained committed to continuing with the provision this purposed dog waste bins. Indeed, Council have recently resolved for the siting of another bin at Silurian Road taking the total number of bins to 34. This also means that the annual cost to the contractor will increase and additionally, we have been notified that the contractor shall be increasing the charge per bin from 01st April 2024 which will result in an annual cost of over £14,000.

It should be noted that Monmouthshire County Council have began a Public Consultation procedure in respect of Public Space Protection Orders (see other news item) 

As responsible dog owners - Please DO NOT

·         Take your home/garden dog waste to either dog waste or litter bins.

·         Overload the Dog Waste Bins (its quite obvious when its full). Please take your waste home if the bins are full.

·         Leave poo bags anywhere else.

Please DO

·         Always pick up after your dog.

·         Ensure that your children exercise the same responsibilities if permitted to walk the family dog.

·         When off the lead in areas where this is permissible, keep an eye on your dog at all times. Its easy to miss them evacuating their bowels if you are on your mobile phone or chatting to others. Dogs must always be kept under control.

·         Deposit waste bags responsibly in Dog Waste Bins or Council Litter Bins.

·         Take waste bags home to include with household waste if you cannot dispose of it responsibly while out walking.