Council right to take on selfish minority who blight the area

SOUTHPORT residents are fed up of the actions of irresponsible dog owners.

There’s no doubting that the vast majority of pet owners in the town are sensible and considerate, but action must be taken against the vile minority who have zero thought for those who share the same pavements and public spaces.

Likewise, it’s absolutely the case that most dog owners are careful not to let their dogs loose in spaces where children or other animals may feel scared or threatened.

However, those who don’t take the same appreciation of their surroundings pose a real and genuine threat. Anyone who has been on the receiving end of a dog bite will back this up.

Too many amateur footballers spend time each weekend having to clear dog mess from pitches before they can play, while those who let their dogs foul in cemeteries or play areas and fail to clean it up are utterly abhorrent.

Sefton Council is right to tackle these problems and while the ideas make sense, it is essential that they are properly enforced. Owners can already be fined for leaving dog mess on pavements but how often does that actually happen? Compare that to how often you’ve had to clean the stuff of your shoes or have to tell your kids to watch their step as they walk and it’s clear it’s not working.

The proposed changes aren’t about discouraging residents from owning dogs, and nor should they ever be. Dog ownership has huge benefits, not only because of the companionship it leads to, but also in encouraging people to get out walking with their animal, boosting both mental and physical health.

In Southport, we’re lucky enough to have several parks and green spaces where people can enjoy walks outdoors. Dog owners and non-dog owners alike should be free to enjoy these, but it makes perfect sense to introduce restriction which will help people feel safer and have to spend less time avoiding mess that should have been cleaned up by selfish owners.