Knowsley Council updates dog controls

Knowsley Council, in Merseyside, has updated its Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to limit the number of dogs that can be walked by one person to six.

The order, which has been in place for 10 years, now requires people in charge of dogs to:

• Not take dogs into any children’s playground whether it is enclosed or not;
• To keep dogs on a lead in designated woodland areas;
• To keep dogs on a lead at all times within all designated carriageways (A and B classified roads) and adjoining footpaths, cycle tracks and verges;
• To limit the number of dogs that can be walked by one person to a maximum of six dogs in a public place at any one time, whether on behalf of a business or themselves.

If an offence is witnessed, the person in control of the dog will be given a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice or face prosecution.

The updated dog control measures were agreed following a consultation with residents, which included an online survey.

Councillor Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “While the majority of dog owners in Knowsley are responsible and will be following the rules, the strengthening of the current PSOP will highlight the importance of responsible dog ownership and help make the borough a safer place to live and work.

“The council already works closely with Merseyside Police and other key partners, to promote responsible dog ownership and to take action against illegal dog breeders or owners whose activities are having a detrimental impact on the local community.”