Dog poo: Possible bans and fines for owners who let dogs poo where they shouldn't

Image source, Shutterstock

There's not much more disgusting that stepping in dog poo when you are out playing.

But now dog owners in Liverpool are being warned about a new ban if they don't watch where their pooch poops more carefully.

Liverpool council is considering introducing a 3-year-long ban to parts of the city and surrounding public spaces because of high levels of dog poo.

Areas that could become off-limits to doggies include 70 playgrounds and playing fields across the city.

Further measures include keeping dogs on leads in ten specific areas, with on-the-spot fines for rule breakers.

Take part in our vote to let us know if dog poo is a problem where you like to play and remember to leave us a comment below.

If you can't see this vote, click here.

Owners are not picking up poo

Video caption, Is there loads of dog poo in your park?

A month-long discussion over the summer involving local people has concluded that the situation needs urgently sorting and recommended the idea of a dog ban to the council.

Councillors and the local authorities are still deciding what to do, however a ban looks increasingly likely.

The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) includes rules which councils can enforce; like fines for dog fouling, keeping dogs on leads in certain places or excluding dogs in specific areas completely.

Fines can be given to anyone breaking these rules.

Image caption, New signs will be put up in the selected areas to warn dog owners

Almost three quarters of the people who took part supported these ideas, the committee reports says. Only a small minority of people who responded opposed the plans.

Liverpool City Council told Newsround: "We know that our green spaces are vitally important to so many people in our city and we hope that if they are agreed next week these proposals will make a positive difference to everyone who enjoys our parks."

They hope, if the ban does go ahead, this will protect public areas that families play at and encourage dog owners to pick up their pet's poo.

Image source, Education Images

Image caption, Coming into contact with dog poo can cause Toxocariasis - a condition caused by bacteria that travels to the human eye. That's why you should always bag it and bin it

The plan would be effective for three years but won't include assistance dogs.

The council plans to put up clear signs to tell people where bans are being enforced when they have come to a final decision on the proposals.

Dogs are already not allowed in lots of play areas and sports pitches but now they could be facing a fine for breaking those rules.

So the best thing anyone can do is pick up their dogs' poo!