Dog control

Dog fouling

Responsible dog owners understand the importance of clearing up after their pets, and so they take their dog for a walk armed with a poop scoop or bag. They will dispose of the waste when they return home or use one of the council's dog waste bins or litter bins found across the district.

There is an inconsiderate minority who fail to clean up after their dogs. The lack of a nearby bin to dispose of dog waste is not a reasonable excuse for failing to clean up dog faeces. If there is no convenient bin, you must take it home for proper disposal.

Dog waste in public areas is dealt with through the normal process of street cleansing and is usually removed during scheduled street cleaning. However, the council understands that residents are concerned about dog fouling, which is why reported incidents of dog mess will be removed from roads, parks, play areas or the beach within 24 hours of receipt.

If you see a dog owner who allows his or her dog to foul our streets then you can report it to our Environmental Protection Team.

Where there is a persistent problem, officers will try to identify irresponsible dog owners. The Public Space Protection Order makes it illegal to fail to clear up after your dog if it fouls any land that is open to the air and to which the public have access. Inconsiderate dog owners could face a fixed penalty fine of £80 or a fine of up to £1000 if there is a conviction in the courts.

Lost and stray dogs

Animal Warden Services (telephone 01502 802045) looks after the collection of stray and lost dogs on behalf of East Suffolk Council. To report a stray dog please contact them directly on 01502 802045.

It is a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped to help more stray or lost dogs to be reunited with their owners. You must make sure your dog is microchipped by the time it is eight weeks old. We are able to check that dogs are microchipped and if necessary fine owners who have not done this.

It is also a legal requirement that every dog wears a collar and an identity tag in public, bearing the current name and address of the owner.

If your dog has been collected, you will be required to pay a fee to reclaim your dog back.

If you lose your dog, Animal Warden Services can advise you if it has been found and reported to them. Stray dogs that have been reported and collected can be viewed on their Found dogs page.

Dogs on our beaches

Dogs are welcome in many outdoor locations throughout East Suffolk all year round, however, a few beach areas are designated as dog-free during the busier months of the year. This is to ensure that both owners, dogs and other beach goers get to enjoy our wonderful beaches without having to worry about spoiling it for others.

These restrictions are in place in Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness, Lowestoft and Corton from 1 May to 30 September and in Southwold from 1 April to 30 September. The affected areas are well signposted and failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Owners are welcome to enjoy these areas with their dogs outside of the designated times.