Only three dog mess fines issued in Darlington last year

The figures, released by Darlington Borough Council through a freedom of information request, reveal that only three fixed penalty notices were issued in 2025, all by the council’s dedicated dog warden. Civic enforcement officers issued none.

A concerned Darlington resident told The Northern Echo: “We’ve lived in the area for almost five years now and have two dogs, and over the last year or so I have noticed an increase in dog fouling on the streets in our area.

“It is more noticeable on the footpaths than it is down Cemetery Lane or Stanhope Park for example – particularly on Abbey Road – where there are multiple public bins for people to dispose of the mess.

“There are a few occasions where there have been full poo bags left on walls of residential properties by parents on the school run – again despite there being bins on Abbey Road.”

The data also showed that 188 stray dogs were found in 2025, with 40 of them unchipped.

College ward representative Cllr Matthew Snedker said he “absolutely understands” the anger of residents who do not see poo being picked up.

Cllr Matthew Snedker with a dog poo bin. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“This is a huge issue, it is unacceptable for people not to pick up after their dogs,” he said

“I have been out with the dog warden and when people see them out and about, they pick up the mess, or are warned.”

He explained that issuing fines is challenging, unless there is direct evidence.

Cllr Snedker said: “I speak with the dog warden and council officers regularly, they are doing a difficult job.”

Darlington Borough Council said the problem, while caused by a minority, affects the whole community.

A spokesperson said: “We know that the vast majority of pet owners are responsible and the actions of a few inconsiderate people can cause misery.

“We take dog fouling very seriously.

“In order to issue a fixed penalty notice, we have to catch a dog owner failing to pick up after their pet.

“We therefore rely on information from the public so we can build up a picture of when and where it is happening to catch people in the act.”