An 80-year-old man was fined £80 for walking his dog ten yards without a poo bag, despite no mess being made.
Trevor parked at the Wolverhampton train station. He went to get his newspaper. Ted, his two-year-old dog, went with. Council officers appeared suddenly while he walked.
They asked about poo bags. Trevor said his car was nearby, and he could get bags quickly. However, officers said bags must be on him. They fined him £80 anyway.
Trevor was shocked. He would understand a fine if Ted made a mess. Ted had barely stepped outside. Trevor gets papers daily for neighbors; he felt punished for helping them.
The new dog litter laws began in 2023. Councils use fines to stop dog owners not cleaning up. Some areas have specific rules and orders. Wolverhampton does too. Canterbury requires two bags.
Trevor never heard of the law. He wants to warn other dog walkers: always carry a poo bag, he said. Council stated rules require dog poop removal tools.
The council spokesperson noted the litter law. People strongly supported it in a survey. Dog mess is unsightly and a health risk. People can appeal their fine, the council said.