'Bag It and Bin It or Pay It'
Our 'Bag It and Bin It or Pay It' campaign aims to tackle dog fouling and promote responsible dog ownership throughout the borough. It combines education, enforcement and community engagement to keep Gateshead's streets clean and safe.
Dog Wardens will be out in communities offering advice, handing out free dog waste bags, and helping owners understand their responsibilities under the borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).
A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is a legal tool to help tackle anti-social behaviour in public spaces, including issues related to irresponsible dog ownership. The PSPO is in effect across the whole borough and sets out clear rules for dog owners, such as carrying dog waste bags, cleaning up after their pets, and keeping dogs on leads in specific areas like cemeteries and school grounds. It will help ensure Gateshead's public spaces remain clean, safe, and respectful for everyone.
Enforcement will begin from February 2026. Dog wardens and Environmental Anti Social Behaviour Officers will issue £100 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to anyone caught failing to clean up after their dog. Officers will be equipped with body-worn cameras and supported by Northumbria Police.
Dog owners must:
- carry dog waste bags in public
- clean up after their dog immediately
- dispose of waste in appropriate bins
- keep dogs on leads in cemeteries and school grounds
- put dogs on leads when asked by an authorised officer
Authorised council officers and police can request compliance and take enforcement action when these rules are ignored. Breaching the PSPO without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence and could result in a £100 FPN or a fine of up to £1,000 if prosecuted. If paid within 14 days, the FPN is reduced to £75.
Our approach is designed to be fair and proportionate, combining education with enforcement to protect public spaces for everyone.
Dog wardens play a key role in promoting responsible dog ownership across Gateshead. They provide advice, support, and education to help prevent dog-related nuisance before it occurs. Their work includes engaging with residents, distributing free dog waste bags, and helping dog owners understand their responsibilities under the PSPO. They have received up-to-date legal training, conflict resolution and de-escalation training, and will be equipped with body-worn cameras to support safe and effective enforcement. They also have direct communication with Northumbria Police for support in challenging situations.
Dog fouling is one of the most reported environmental issues in Gateshead. It affects public health, wellbeing, and how safe and cared-for communities feel. Education alone hasn't been enough, enforcement is now needed to drive real change.