Your dog, your duty. Manilva clamps down on pet waste with a clear reminder of fines

It’s one of the most revolting of situations. You go for a nice stroll with your family and someone steps in dog mess, horrible, unpleasant and smelly, but walk the streets of Manilva this summer and you cannot miss the message: pet owners must clean up after their animals, or face steep penalties.

Fresh push on cleanliness

The town hall’s Cleaning Department, led by councillor Gema Zotano, has rolled out fresh signage clearly reminding residents and visitors that picking up dog faeces is not optional. Failure to comply can land you with fines ranging from €300 to €3,000, depending on the severity and whether the offence is repeated.

Local leaders say the campaign responds to a summer of mounting complaints about dirty pavements, parks and access routes to beaches. Zotano has been vocal about demanding better performance from the street-cleaning contractor, and now the council is pairing that pressure with a push for civic responsibility from pet owners. Even the best cleaning crews cannot keep up if people leave messes behind.

Spanish law already requires owners to remove animal waste in public spaces, and many Andalucian towns enforce similar penalties. In Manilva, the message is being reinforced with visible posters and a warning that the Local Police will back the rules.

What the fines mean in practice

Across Spain, minor offences for not collecting waste typically start around €300, while serious or repeated breaches can reach €1,500–€3,000. The exact amount depends on local bylaws and circumstances such as risk to others, location (for example, near playgrounds) and whether the owner has been warned before. Dog owners who allow animals to roam loose in prohibited zones can also be fined, with penalties rising sharply where danger is involved.

One of the more common complaints from expats

For British residents and holidaymakers its one of the bigger complaints about the Costa del Sol, the lack of people cleaning up after their pets is a big problem so the clampdown and new signage will be a welcome addition.

Reaction on social media has been mixed, with many backing stricter action. “I think it’s brilliant!!!” wrote one resident. Some comments struck a practical note. “The important thing is police backing to enforce the rules, and the Town Hall would collect revenue,” said one contributor, highlighting the need for visible enforcement. A dog owner with a large molosser insisted size is no excuse: “I pick up after a molosser of more than 60kg. Anyone can do it with their little 15kg dog.”

Another resident described the situation outside their home: “I have all the walls peed on and a pile of poo outside the door”. A pet owner who lives near the outskirts added: “Let’s see if it’s true!! And put surveillance outside the village too. Martagina area, Los Hidalgos, El Hacho… lots of fine signs but people ignore them… there’s more poo. It’s disgusting walking on the pavements, and I have a pet and I wouldn’t dream of leaving a mess, especially in an area I have to pass every day. Afterwards we blame the cleaning workers who are not at fault that people are so filthy…”

How to stay on the right side of the law

– Carry biodegradable bags and a small scoop or glove.
– Clean immediately, even on short stops outside shops or bars.
– Use public bins marked for pet waste; do not leave bags on the ground.
– Keep dogs on leads where required and respect beach access rules.

Your dog, your duty.