Calling all dog owners: your dogs are your duty say Sefton Council

Sefton Council is calling upon dog owners to ensure that their dogs are kept under control in all public spaces.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is now in place to keep Sefton’s public spaces safe and to protect the environment and wildlife throughout the borough.

In relation to the order, dog owners are required to pick up their dog’s mess, walk no more than 6 dogs at one time, keep dogs from entering enclosed playgrounds and prohibit dogs from entering marked or fenced sports pitches during specified times.

Dogs must also be kept on a lead within defined picnic sites and family areas in parks, within all public roads and footways, within all cemeteries and crematoria, and under any direction from an authorised officer.

It’s important to remember that dogs that are not under control can frighten people and young children and may have an adverse effect on those suffering with allergies. Additionally, dog foul is not only an eyesore but also has damaging effects to the environment and dogs that are not on leads can unwittingly disturb protected wildlife.

The PSPO has been in place since 13 July 2017 and will continue to be enforced for the next 3 years.

Anybody who fails to comply with this order will be guilty of an offence and will face a fixed penalty notice of £75.

For more information and to see the PSPO in its entirety, please visit https://www.sefton.gov.uk/dogs