Dog fouling fines up to 500 zł — cameras target owners

25 February 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Municipal guards across Polish cities are increasingly using CCTV and resident reports to identify dog owners who fail to pick up after pets, with fines reaching 500 zł. The move affects residents and visitors alike — here’s what expats should know and how to avoid a penalty.

Municipal authorities are stepping up enforcement of dog fouling rules, and dog fouling fines of up to 500 zł are becoming more common. Cities are using CCTV footage and neighbour complaints to identify owners whose animals leave waste in public spaces, citing public health and cleanliness concerns.

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How enforcement is changing

In recent months, reports from multiple municipalities show a rise in interventions by Straż Miejska (municipal guards) and local officials. Rather than relying only on on-the-spot catches, authorities are increasingly reviewing public camera footage and following up on resident reports to trace owners. Local councils say their motivation is not only aesthetics but also reducing health hazards — dog faeces can carry parasites and bacteria that pose risks in playgrounds and green areas.

What the fine means and who can issue it

In Poland, a “mandat” is a fine issued for a petty offence; municipal guards and sometimes police may issue such fines, while more serious matters can be handled through court proceedings. The maximum administrative fine for failing to remove dog waste varies by municipality but can reach 500 zł in some cities. Enforcement practices and exact amounts are set by local bylaws (often under the framework of national regulations on public order), so rules can differ between gminas (municipalities).

How owners are identified

Authorities combine several sources of information: CCTV footage from public cameras, submissions from residents (photos, videos, witness statements), and sometimes data from local housing associations or building cameras. Identification can lead directly to a mandat or to further administrative steps. Some cities publish occasional campaigns showing that they will use technology and community reports to deter repeat offenders.

Practical advice for expats

If you live in Poland or are visiting with a dog, the safest approach is simple: carry waste bags, dispose of dog faeces in public bins or designated collection points, and be aware of local signs or municipal websites that outline rules in specific neighbourhoods. If you receive a fine, the issuer must provide documentation — you can ask for details on how to contest it, request a hearing, or get a translation; municipal offices can explain procedures but acting quickly (paying or appealing within the timeframe) is important to avoid escalation.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland a “mandat” refers to an on-the-spot fine for a petty offence; Straż Miejska are municipal guards who enforce local bylaws (not the national police). Local councils (gminas) set specific rules and fines for dog fouling, so amounts and procedures can differ by city and even by district. If you are fined: ask for the issuing officer’s details and a written receipt, check the local authority named on the ticket, and follow appeal or payment instructions promptly. Carrying dog bags and using bins is the easiest way to avoid any trouble.

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