Dog fouling fines for Knowsley and Wirral over the last six years show that fixed penalty notices are not enough to prevent the annoying problem.
Dog fouling is a persistent issue in Merseyside, with more complaints called in than fines get issued.
In Knowsley over the last two years, there were a total of 15 fines handed out to offenders.
Wirral Borough council issued 0 fixed penalty notices in 2021 and 2022, in spite of a total of 1506 online complaints.
More than an unpleasant site, dog waste is actually considered to be an environmental health risk.
MNL spoke with Graeme Mitchell, a senior lecturer in environmental health at Liverpool John Moores University.
He said: “There are a number of issues that can be linked to dog fouling, the main focus is Toxocariasis, but it may be possible to get infected with bacteria such as salmonella as well.”
Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease commonly linked to dog fouling, and is caused by roundworms in canines.
It can infect humans if they come into contact with it and then ingest or rub their eyes, making it a particular problem for young children who may not know any better.
Toxocariasis is generally mild but can also result in loss of vision or difficulty breathing.
Mitchell also said: “I’d also say that one of the main issues around dog fouling isn’t just about the possible health impacts from the fouling itself but the message it sends to people if it is left.
“By leaving dog fouling laying round, it says people don’t care and then gives ‘permission’ for other low level crime and environmental crime to take place – such as fly tipping.”
Knowsley Council
Knowsley Council recently issued a reminder to local residents to pick up their dogs’ mess, or they could face fines of up to £1000.
It said: “Knowsley Council’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the control of dogs grants the council the power to hold dog owners to account for dog fouling, including the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices if the rules aren’t followed.”
There have also been reports of dog waste being disposed of in inappropriate ways, such as throwing the bags into trees or leaving them on the ground.
Those responsible for this can be fined a littering charge of £150.
To report dog fouling in your area, click here.
Wirral Borough Council
The Love Wirral Strategy was introduced in 2021, aiming to clean up local areas.
The focus of the strategy included littering, fly-tipping, and dog waste.
Love Wirral was put into action following a 50% increase in waste collected by street cleaners following March 2020.
The number of online reports for dog waste also increased by 23% at this time.
Wirral Borough Council and members of the Environment Committee have been contacted for comment.
