A homeowner has reached their breaking point after repeated incidents of a neighbour's dog using their front garden as a toilet. The frustrated resident, known as @Momshie-mo on Reddit, sought advice from the online community after signs and polite notes failed to resolve the issue.
Signs and notes prove ineffective
The homeowner explained that the problem began recently, leading them to suspect either a new neighbour or a recent dog owner in the area. They erected a sign asking owners not to let their pets foul the lawn and even left a bagged deposit with a note requesting proper disposal. Despite these efforts, the fouling continued unabated.
In their Reddit post, the homeowner wrote: "Anyone who has tips how to get their (unknown) neighbour who let their dog poo in your front yard and not pick it up?" They revealed they were considering installing a new camera to identify the culprit and gather evidence.
Reddit users recommend cameras
Many fellow Reddit users agreed that CCTV or a doorbell camera would be the most effective solution. One commenter shared a similar experience, noting that they only discovered the responsible party after installing a camera. Another advised: "Best bet is get a camera and catch them in the act." The homeowner responded positively, suggesting they might install a real or dummy camera accompanied by a warning sign stating that offenders would be reported to authorities.
Legal consequences for dog fouling
The issue is a persistent problem for councils across the UK. According to the government, local authorities can issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100 for dog fouling, while those prosecuted through the courts may face much larger fines. Dog owners have a legal responsibility to clean up after their pets in public places, and failure to do so can lead to enforcement action.
While some Reddit users proposed humorous forms of revenge, the overwhelming consensus was that gathering evidence first would give the homeowner the best chance of ending the unwanted deposits permanently.
