Dog fouling 'chaos' continues as Lib-Dems insist council has failed to issue any fines so far in 2025

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has again hit out at the council’s ruling Labour Group and those that prop them up after it was revealed that the council has failed to issue a single penalty notice for dog fouling in 2025. 

Councillor Sykes said: “Labour makes a big show and dance about their PR campaigns like Don’t Trash Oldham. 

"But they fail to back any of it up with action. 

"They can’t even get the basics right. 

"They let the dog fouling protection orders - which allow the council to issue fines - lapse in 2021 and have consistently failed to fix the problem despite the Liberal Democrats raising this at every opportunity over recent years.”

A Freedom of Information Request submitted by Oldham Liberal Democrats has confirmed that the council has issued no Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for dog fouling so far in 2025. 

This data comes despite Councillor Sykes challenging the Labour Leader of the council on this issue at the last Full Council Meeting on April 9. 

Councillor Sykes said: “Any resident can see that our parks, green spaces and pavements are looking neglected. 

"The dog fouling is just one problem in a long list. 

"It makes people feel like the council doesn’t care about local communities. 

"I think most residents would be appalled that something as simple as dog fouling fines is too much to handle for our so-called local leaders.”

Responding to Councillor Sykes, Councillor Chris Goodwin, cabinet holder for Don’t Trash Oldham, said: “Dog fouling is of course a problem that no one wants in their community.

"However, in order to issue a fine for dog fouling then evidence needs to be produced and reported to us.

"If coun Sykes is seeing this happening he’s welcome to do his bit and submit a report.

“Our Environmental Enforcement team is focussed on tackling issues that generate the most complaints from residents.

"Last year, the team received more than 5,700 fly-tipping reports, and investigating them and issuing fines to offenders has been their main priority.

“We do of course fully understand the concerns about dog fouling and recognise its impact on our parks, streets and public spaces.

"Furthermore, we strongly urge the minority of dog owners who don’t pick up after their dogs to do the right and responsible thing and pick up after their dogs – it is their responsibility to do so.”

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