Only two cases of irresponsible dog owners have been dealt with in Liverpool since major changes were brought in last year.
In November, Liverpool Council’s highways and public spaces representations committee agreed to the adoption of a public space protection order (PSPO) tightening its controls over dog fouling and inappropriate behaviour in certain locations across the city. The three-year order prevents dogs being off lead in eight city cemeteries and present at all at more than 70 playgrounds and sports pitches.
The decision was put before the city council’s cabinet later that month who endorsed the PSPO and moved ahead with the new controls. A new report has now revealed how busy the new by-law has left the local authority since the adoption two months ago.
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In a written update to Liverpool Council’s neighbourhoods select committee, Mayor Joanne Anderson, who acts as cabinet lead, said: “The team has dealt with two dog fouling offences since the PSPO was established in November.”
In July, the council launched a consultation on its plans to implement a public spaces protection order (PSPO) which includes legislation relating to dog fouling, placing dogs on a lead where directed, dogs on leads at all times in a designated area and the exclusion of dogs altogether in certain areas.
The PSPO is in place for a maximum period of three years and those found in breach would be issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice by council officers or police constables. An exception has been made for assistance dogs, and appropriate signage will be produced and displayed in affected areas.
A brief meeting of Liverpool Council’s highways and public spaces representations committee was told the existing byelaws are “outdated” and don't accurately reflect all parks and gardens in the city. Introduction of the PSPO has ended the requirement of those found offending to be summonsed to court.
The scheme was trialled in Anfield in 2011 successfully. Through the new scheme, officers are now able to ask dog owners to put their pets on a lead and if this is met, no offence is noted. A total of 10 locations, including eight cemeteries, St John’s Gardens and Devonfield Gardens, require dogs to be on a lead at all times.
The expected cost to provide the required signage is likely to be £1,500. This is paid through City Watch budgets and recharged to individual service areas - cemeteries, parks and green spaces.
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