Signs have gone up around parks and greenspaces in Sefton to let dog walkers know about a Public Space Protection Order which is now in full force.



Traffic light style signs have been installed in parks and greenspaces across the borough to let people know which areas are designated as either off-lead, on-lead or no dog zones.

Failure to comply with the Order can result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75.

The Dog Control PSPO has been formulated by Sefton’s Regulation & Compliance teams in conjunction with Green Sefton, with help from local residents and dog lovers.

As well as it still being an offence for not removing dog fouling, the PSPO:

Prohibits dogs from entering enclosed playgrounds and prohibit dogs from entering marked or fenced sports pitches during specified periods.
Ensures dogs are kept on a lead within defined picnic sites and family areas, all public roads and footways and all cemeteries and crematoria.
Allows rulings so that a Council Officer can require your dog to be put on the lead to prevent annoyance or disturbance to others.
Community rangers will be speaking to park visitors over the coming weeks to explain the PSPO and to hand out informative flyers.
Restricts the number of dogs that can be walked by one person to a maximum of six.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulation and Compliance, said: “We actively encourage responsible dog ownership throughout the borough and the PSPO actively reflects this.

“Through a detailed consultation we really reached out to many different groups and individuals regarding an important subject that numerous people have a vested interest in.

“In their thousands people responded which shows how much they care about their pets and our communities.

“Out of that came the Dog Control Public Space Protection Order.”

For more information about the PSPO visit www.sefton.gov.uk/dogs.

Those who are responsible dog owners would not need to be told how to take care of their animals correctly in public while those who are totally ignorant of the responsibilities of dog owners, will not read the notices anyway - as they consider such notices are not their concern.
The true effect of the notices is that ignorance is not a legal excuse accepted in courts and if people do not read the notices they will have to face the consequences. So a good move in all.

Dog walkers should be mindful of the dangers of dog mess, the risk to the health of humankind, and should be penalised accordingly for not cleaning up after their pet.

Lets hope that these wardens aren't frightened of the gypsies , (like the police,)when they empty their mess on our green spaces, car parks and other open spaces illegaly occupied.

Hang on I'm dreaming aren't I.