New dog curbs in north end

AN order which will introduce controls on dogs in north Liverpool will be enforced from the New Year. The order was approved following a month long consultation period and will apply to the Anfield, County and Kirkdale wards.

It means dogs will be banned from cemeteries, school play grounds and playing fields, children’s play areas and sports pitches in parks.

Dogs must be kept on leads  on pavements  and when owners are directed to do so by an authorised officer if dogs are causing a nuisance or annoyance in outdoor public places.

 Owners will still be able to exercise their pets, without a lead,  in general areas of parks   

Assistance dogs for people with disabilities are exempt from the order.

It comes into force from 1 January 2012.

Councillor Tim Beaumont, assistant cabinet member for the environment and climate change, said: “This order is aimed at encouraging responsible dog ownership.

“There has been overwhelming support in the area for this initiative from teachers, friends of parks groups and local residents.

“This is a pilot scheme and if it proves successful then we will look at extending it throughout the city.

“It is about dog-owners showing pride in their neighbourhoods and acting responsibly.”

The Dog Control Order specifies five offences:

·       Failing to remove dog dirt 
·       Not keeping a dog on a lead 
·       Not keeping a dog on a lead when ordered to do so by an authorised officer 
·       Allowing a dog to enter land from which they are excluded

Breaches of the order would result in a fixed penalty or prosecution. 

As well as the order it has also been agreed that the fixed penalty for failure to clear up dog dirt be increased from £50 to £80. This applies across the city. 

Councillor Beaumont said: “There is a lot of public feeling about this issue and residents want us to take action. We’ve listened to what they have said and are introducing some of the toughest penalties in the country.”