NO fines were issued in Wychavon for dog fouling last year, new figures reveal.

Data obtained via Freedom of Information requests to every local authority in the UK shows there were no fines issued in 2021 across the district.

It was the same story in the years preceding 2021, with no fines issued in 2020, 2019 or 2018.

This is despite repeated concerns from residents about the issue in recent years.

The data, obtained by Kennel Store had Wychavon as one of the lowest numbers of cases in the whole of the country.

We have previously reported how players and staff at Pershore Town FC had to collect 42 bags of dog poo before a game this year.

As a result, Pershore Town Council pleaded with dog owners to pick up after their pets.

For contrast, the area with the most fines issued was Bassetlaw in Nottinghamshire, with 62 fines issued last year.

Across Worcestershire, Malvern Hills had a total of 10 fines issued in the last four years, while Worcester saw just two fines issued last year.

Dog fouling is illegal in the UK and the law states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse, and could result in dog walkers being penalised.

Not only this, but it is extremely dangerous as contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures.

The councils in Worcester and Malvern have consulted on public space protection orders (PSPOs) in recent years.

These would enable much harsher fines for people guilty of not picking up after their pets.

Malvern Hills District Council is set to vote on extending the order this week after a new consultation.

There had been a previous Public Space Protection Order issued by the council back in 2017, but this expired in 2021, so councillors were asked if they supported renewing it.

Despite the order being in place, only five fines were handed out to dog owners over the previous cycle.