The Council actively encourage members of the public to act responsibly and dispose of their dog waste in the bins provided or alternatively in a waste bin. Community Safety Officers are authorised to issue fixed penalty notices for fouling offences.

Each year, the Council receives many complaints regarding dogs fouling pavements, footpaths and leisure areas. As well as the unpleasant nature of dog fouling, there are significant health risks which can arise from dog faeces.

Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dogs do not cause a nuisance to members of the public. Where owners fail to clean up animal mess it can lead to the issue of a fixed penalty notice or even criminal proceedings through the courts.

A number of dog bins across Dumfries and Galloway are supplied and maintained by DGFirst.

A limited number of disposal bags are available free of charge from Customer Service Centres. However, disposal bags can also be purchased very cheaply from various local outlets.

Council staff also evaluate and undertake the fitting of "No Dog Fouling" signs.