Dog owners in Kirkby are being reminded that they face on-the-spot fines if they fail to clean up after their pets as Knowsley Council steps up local enforcement efforts. The campaign, which includes the deployment of a new in-house team to patrol for environmental offences, is part of a wider effort to keep public spaces clean and safe across the borough.
Under the council’s current public space rules, which have been in place since 28 January 2025, those caught failing to pick up after their dogs will be issued a fixed penalty notice of £100. If an individual fails to pay this charge, they could face prosecution, potentially resulting in fines of up to £1,000.
Councillor Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, noted that by creating a dedicated in-house team of enforcement officers, the council intends to have more control over how these rules are delivered and maintained for residents. The team is now actively patrolling known problem areas and is also focusing on specific hotspots reported by members of the community.
Beyond the nuisance caused by dog fouling, the council has highlighted significant health risks associated with the issue. Fouling can lead to an infection called Toxocariasis, caused by worms found in dog waste, which can lead to serious health complications, including blindness, particularly in young children.
The local enforcement drive comes as authorities across England face an increase in reported environmental crimes, with government figures showing a 9% rise in incidents between 2024 and 2025. Residents are encouraged to report dog fouling in their areas through the council website to help officers target their patrols effectively.
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