Dogging, locations and the law

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DOGGING AND THE LAW

Here we pass on advice that we have been given about the law in the UK, relative to the Dogging scene. Thanks to the members that have contributed to this section.

We need to make it very clear that we are not lawyers, neither are those that have provided the advice. The advice is given by members on the basis of their understanding of the legal position and neither we nor the members can accept any responsibility for the advice given. Please do not ask the Police to check the legal position on the Connect4Fun website when you are sat in the cells for something you have done!

The law in the UK is not very clear. It is a case of taking a common sense approach to the various laws that apply. Public Car Parks can be the property of Local Authorities who have their own by-laws relating to the use of the car park. Use of private car parks can raise a question of trespass.

Having sex in a car or having sex in a public place is not in itself illegal. To allow a willing person to watch that act can not be illegal. What is illegal is if that act be seen by a third party who is able to report the matter as something that has caused them offence or intimidation. To expose yourself to a willing person is not illegal, but it seen by a third party it could be construed as indecent exposure.

To quote a BBC article on the matter..........

There are laws that protect members of the public from being unwilling witnesses to sexual behaviour or from being harassed or intimidated in their use of public spaces or facilities. So sex in public toilets, parks or places where other passers-by may be offended is illegal.
If you are in a private place or in a location where you wouldn't expect to be spied upon, then you're probably okay. Prosecution relies on a third party onlooker getting upset and reporting you. So, if you want sex under the stars, make sure you pick a secluded spot.

To view the whole article CLICK HERE

There are plenty of people out there watching out for you. Dr Tuppy Owens of the Sexual Freedom coalition has made representations to the Home Office about proposed changes to the law. A copy can be seen by CLICKING HERE

With dogging activity becoming more widespread and visible, many local councils are becoming aware of the phenomenon and cracking down on the behaviour. Access to known dogging locations has been restricted in some places by installing fences and locking gates. Police and Forestry patrols have been stepped up in areas.

At other popular sites, agencies have installed bright lighting and CCTV cameras to discourage dogging. These measures may backfire, though. Many doggers are not deterred by cameras, as the electronic eye is just another voyeur to them. And according to Dr. Richard Byrne, who did a study on dogging with the National Forestry service, "You can't simply increase the amount of lighting - that just makes it easier to make videos or take pictures."

Part of the objection to dogging also stems from activities that people fear may be associated with it, or that may also go on at dogging spots, such as littering, property damage, public nuisance and disturbance, prostitution, public intoxication, and robbery. Whether or not this is accurate, the perception is enough to spur councils into action.

The way we see it is that if you wish to take part in Dogging, there is always a risk. Isn't that part of the fun? If you see our "What the Papers say" section, you will see what happens if you are a Premiership Footballer who gets caught dogging in Stafford. Just take care and be careful whilst having fun.