Dog control orders

This section will give you all the information you need to be a responsible dog owner together with advice and tips. We regularly organise dog-related events across the city - check the listings to see if there's one near where you live.

Dog Control Orders

In 2007 we introduced the Dog Control Orders as part of a wider Responsible Dog Ownership Scheme - the powers were granted under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, and replaced the Manchester City Council Dogs (Fouling of Land) Order 2001. Dog Control Orders give us control in relation to:

• the fouling of land by dogs and the removal of dog faeces - a person responsible for the dog must pick up any faeces left by the dog at all times;
• the keeping of dogs on leads - a person responsible for a dog must keep it on a lead in designated areas. In Manchester this includes all roads, pavements and footpaths (including gated alleyways) as well as designated small parks, planted flowerbeds and horticultural centres. Check the list of parks with areas where dogs must be kept on a lead;
• the putting, and keeping, of dogs on leads when directed to do so by an authorised officer - a person responsible for a dog must put the dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer of the council, this applies throughout Manchester;
• the exclusion of dogs from land - dogs must not be allowed into play areas in parks, or onto land used for sports; and
• the number of dogs which a person may take onto any land - a maximum of four dogs can be walked by one person. We believe that this is a reasonable number as the person responsible for the dogs could find it difficult to control more than four dogs.

The Penalty

The penalty in relation to any offence in any dog control order is, on summary conviction, a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (£1,000)

A person may be offered the chance to discharge any liability to conviction for any offence under any dog control order by payment of a fixed penalty. The specified amount of the fixed penalty is £80 if paid within 14 days (or £50 if paid within 10 days).

If a Fixed Penalty Notice is not paid, you may be prosecuted for the offence.

The easiest way to avoid prosecution or a Fixed Penalty Notice is to be a Responsible Dog Owner and not commit the offence.

Note: This offence does not apply to registered blind persons, or to persons who rely on an assistance dog trained by Dogs for the Disabled, support dogs or Canine Partners for Independence with a disability affecting mobility, manual dexterity, physical coordination or ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects.