Animal welfare
Animal LicensingLiverpool City Council's Licensing Service is responsible for issuing licences and enforcement pursuant to:-
- Boarding Establishments (for Pets)
- Breeding Establishments (Dogs)
- Dangerous Wild Animals Licences
- Licensing of Riding Establishments
- Zoo Licences
- Game Dealers Licences
- Pig Movement Licences
- Horse Drawn Omnibus
- Pet Shop Licences
For further information visit our licensing pages
Stray Dogs
The Public Health Services Unit has three dedicated Animal Wardens who patrol the city's parks and streets in search of stray dogs. Any dog found on the public highway, or any of the Council's parks without an owner will be collected as a stray. If the dog has a collar with the owner's name and address on, the Animal Warden will attempt to return the dog to its owner.
If there is no identification on the dog or the wardens are unable to return the dog to its owner, the dog will be taken to the RSPCA kennels in Halewood where it will be held for seven days. If the owner claims the dog within seven days the dog will be returned after paying a kennelling fee (as at 1 April 2007 £64.00).
If after seven days no owner has claimed the dog, then it becomes the property of the RSPCA who may take the decision to have the dog re-homed or put to sleep.
Dangerous Dogs
For information and advice regarding dangerous dogs please contact Merseyside Police on telephone number 0151 709 6010.
Click here for a leaflet containing information and legislation about dog related incidents![(PDF [298.6Kb] opens in new window)](/images/PDF.gif)
which has been produced by Merseyside Police.
Barking Dogs
The Environmental Health Service has powers to deal with a wide variety of noise sources including barking dogs.
When dealing with noise nuisance from a barking dog, if we are satisfied that a nuisance exists, we will serve a notice requiring it to be remedied
For more information contact the Noise Control Unit on 0151 225 4019.
Dog Fouling
The powers that enable local authorities to deal with dog fouling is the Dogs (Fouling of Land Act) 1996.
All public land is covered by the Dogs (Fouling of Land Act) 1996 including land as listed below.
- Pavements
- Parks and children's play areas
- Public rights of way
- Publicly owned land and facilities
- Public highways
In order to promote responsible dog ownership and public awareness of the health risks associated with dog fouling, Liverpool City Council's Animal Wardens provide the service to deal with the health and hygiene issues concerning dog waste.
They have the authority to tackle irresponsible dog owners, who allow dog fouling of public land, and do not make provision for the removal of the waste. This service can include giving advice, the issue of spot fines and prosecuting in the Magistrates Court to a maximum fine of £1000.00.
They also visit local schools and day centres to give talks and on request can erect dog fouling notices in problem areas.
If you are concerned about persistent dog fouling in your area report the details to Liverpool Direct on 233 3001. All information you supply is treated in confidence. It will help if you can give the following details:
- Name and address of dog owner (if you know it).
- Breed of dog or description of it.
- Location(s) where the fouling takes place.
- Your contact details.
If you are concerned that your neighbour allows their dog to foul the rear garden or yard of their property and does not clean up after the dog, you can contact the Environmental Health and Trading Standards Service through Liverpool Direct on 0151 225 3001.