Please pick up your dog poo

Published on 12 July 2023

Horsham Rural City Council reminds residents that they may be issued with an on-the-spot fine if they don’t remove and appropriately dispose of their dog poo when in a public place. 

Council’s Local Law states that a person in charge of a dog that defecates in a public place must immediately remove the faeces and deposit them as litter in a lawful manner.  They must also have in their possession, the means to collect and dispose of their dog’s droppings. 

While most people are doing the right thing, there has been a recent increase in dog faeces on nature strips, footpaths, parks and other public places. 

If a dog defecates in a public place and the person in charge does not immediately remove and dispose of the faeces, they face an on-the-spot fine of $385.  People not carrying a collection bag may also be issued with a fine.

There are several bins with bag dispensers around Horsham, particularly near dog off-leash areas. 

Council recommends that people carry two bags at all times so that they can demonstrate they have the means to collect droppings. 

If you don’t have pockets, you may consider tying them to the lead.  Please respect others and abide by the rules.  If you don’t pick up your dog’s faeces, you are essentially littering and there will be consequences.