Crackdown on dirty dog owners and the mess they leave

INCONSIDERATE dog walkers on Wirral’s promenades are being targeted by police and council officials.

As part of the national “Not In My Neighbourhood” week this week, officers from Merseyside Police, Wirral Council and Wirral Partnership Homes have come together to deal with dog mess.

Now, with the powers to impose £50 fixed penalty notices soon to be devolved to Police Community Support Officers in Wirral, too, Merseyside Police have come on board in a partnership effort which epitomises the aims of the Home Office-led Not In My Neighbourhood Week.

Yesterday, they went on a joint patrol through the streets and on the promenade at Seacombe to both enforce legislation and educate the public around the messy problem that is dog fouling.

The council and Wirral Partnership Homes already collaborate on a campaign, entitled “Don’t Give A Dog A Bad Name”, which aims to reward dog owners who responsibly clean up after their pet and punish those that do not.

Cllr Gill Gardiner, Wirral Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Dog fouling on the pavement and in parks is not only unpleasant and anti-social, it can also be hazardous and harmful to children’s health.

“It is something that elected members have been looking to see tackled head on for some time now and I know they will join me in welcoming this concerted campaign against persistent offenders.”