Disgusted residents are becoming increasingly "fed up" over a common problem in their communities.
Despite ongoing hard-work in areas across Merseyside, residents have become increasingly aggravated over the last few months and years over the lack of responsibility shown by some members of their community.
Dog fouling is of particular concern with people saying they are "absolutely sick to death" of seeing this mess on their streets.
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But none more so than in Knowsley, where residents say they are "disgusted" and "angry" over the sheer lack of respect as owners "allow their dog to go anywhere without care".
However, following an increase in dog fouling incidents across Knowsley, Council Leader Cllr Graham Morgan and councillors have met with the Council’s Dog Warden team to discuss residents’ concerns and look at ways of tackling the issue across the borough.
Councillors have pledged they are "not messing" when it comes to dealing with irresponsible dog owners who let their pets foul the streets.
The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the control of dogs grants the Council the power to hold dog owners to account for dog fouling, including issuing Fixed Penalty Notices of £100 if the rules aren’t followed.
Anyone found guilty of breaching the order could be fined up to £1,000.
Knowsley Council Leader, Cllr Graham Morgan said: "We know that most residents are responsible owners and pick up after their dogs. However, the selfish and irresponsible actions of the few create a blight on our streets, neighbourhoods and our beautiful parks and green spaces.
"We are listening to the concerns of residents and will take robust action where we can to penalise those irresponsible dog owners who allow their pets to foul the streets. We want to educate people and remind them their actions have consequences.
"We all have a part to play in keeping our streets and neighbourhoods clean for us all to enjoy. I would urge anyone with a dog to ensure they pick up after them."
Over recent months, residents have been taking to social media to share their outrage.
One Halewood resident previously said the streets are "absolutely covered" adding it was "really frustrating dodging it every day".
Another resident said it was "vile" and urged owners to "have respect".
During the strong winds this month, residents in Prescot said bags of dog mess were "blowing" around after irresponsible owners discarded of their dog fouling bags.
These opinions are echoed right across Knowsley, and beyond.
Dog owners in the borough are urged to:
- Be in control of your dog so you know when it has fouled
- Always carry a bag or other means of cleaning up after your dog at all times
- Always clean up after your dog if it fouls and
- Dispose of dog bags in the nearest bin or your maroon bin if there are no public bins nearby.
To raise awareness of the issue, the council is regularly patrolling the worst affected areas and using pavement ‘clean it up’ stencils to remind dog owners to clean up after their pets.
Residents can report incidents of dog fouling to the Council's website by clicking here.
Is dog fouling an issue in your area? Let us know in the comments!
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