Dog fouling and its impact
Dog fouling means failing to clear up dog faeces. It's not acceptable anywhere, and certainly not on the Sefton coastline.
Firstly, dog mess causes a public health issue. One example of this is toxocariasis, which is caused by worms that can be found in dog poo.
Dog poo also impacts local wildlife. It is toxic to some smaller species, and is not a viable home for bugs.
Did you know that dog poo could also kill our sand dunes? It dumps nutrients into the ground which permanently alter the makeup of the dune system, which is devastating for rare species like the sand lizards and Natterjack Toads who live in the dunes.
Aside from the health and habitat concerns, dog mess can ruin people's enjoyment of the beach and coastline. It only takes a small and quick step to help everyone protect and enjoy the Sefton Coast.
Putting the mess in a bag and then leaving it does not count as a reasonable solution, as you are still littering.
Our advice
- ALWAYS take a poo bag with you when walking with your dog
- Keep your dog on a lead so they are close by
- Do not leave mess or a bag lying around, even if you think you'll pick it up later. Bag it immediately.
- Take the bag to the nearest bin - there are many of them on beaches and popular walking routes.
- If you can't find a bin while walking, take the bag home. Those who don't enjoy carrying a bag could use a box like an old takeaway container to put the bag in.
Read more about dog fouling on our Street Services page.
Understanding your legal duty
The Coastal and Visitor Areas Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) places a restriction on polluting the coast through dog fouling.
Also, the Sefton MBC Public Spaces Protection Order [Dog Control] means that a Fixed Penalty Notice could be issued against offenders.