Liverpool Council ’s executive team have ratified the decision to introduce on-the-spot fines for irresponsible dog owners.
Earlier this month, the local authority’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 will prevent 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 this morning who resolved to endorse the PSPO and move ahead with the new controls. 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.
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A total of 71 responses were received, with almost three quarters of those replying in support. The PSPO will be effective 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meeting of Liverpool Council’s highways and public spaces representations committee was told the existing byelaws are “outdated” and don't accurately reflect all parks and gardens in the city.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 will end 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 will be 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, would 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 will be paid through City Watch budgets and recharged to individual service areas - cemeteries, parks and green spaces.
The PSPO will go live once it is sealed, published and upon installation of the signage, which is expected to be within the next month.
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