Dog control measures set for return. Your views wanted

7th September 2020

Distributed via press release from Sefton Council:

As part of Sefton Council’s commitment to promote responsible dog ownership, we are consulting on the reintroduction of dog control measures.

Consultation on introducing a new look Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) across the whole of the borough will start on the 7th September and will last until 5th October.

A Public Space Protection Order is an official measure that is an enforceable part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

PSPOs can be used to protect the public from behaviour that is having or is likely to have a harmful effect on the quality of life of those in an area. To ensure that orders introduced are proportionate and have the support of local residents councils must hold a public consultation.

We began a consultation in March 2020 but unfortunately this was interrupted by the impact of COVID-19.

This consultation did run for 2 weeks and we received over 180 responses. We are taking all of these responses into account and combining the results with those of the new consultation.

We would like as many people as possible to respond to the new consultation so that we can ensure that any new order is in line with the views of all of our residents.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services, said: “This is just the start of the process to consult on a new PSPO in Sefton. Many other local authorities across the country have introduced similar orders to great effect, encouraging greater responsible dog ownership and promoting a cleaner and greener environment which everyone can enjoy.

She added: “The proposed order would continue the dog control requirements that were in place in Seton for three years up to July 2020. Most dog owners across the borough already understand and do most of the things in the proposed order anyway, so if introduced it will have very little or no impact on them at all.

“Please take the time to read about the proposed order and tell us what you think about it.”

To complete the survey, visit https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk.

Should anyone require any assistance in completing the form over the telephone then they can call the contact centre on 0345 140 0845.

For a hard copy version and a freepost envelope for return an email can be sent to ETSContact@sefton.gov.uk

We will try to meet any other requirements that anyone may have that will allow them to engage in the consultation process. Any requests/requirements such as this can be sent to ETSContact@sefton.gov.uk