Your can get your pet micro chipped for free if you live in Sefton

DOG owners in Sefton are being offered the chance to get their pet micro chipped for free, as part of an initiative by Merseyside Police and the Dogs Trust to promote responsible dog ownership. The chipping is quick and easy to carry out and does not hurt the dog in any way.

Police and partner agencies are offering the free service to anyone who brings their dog along to South Park, in Bootle, from 1pm to 4pm, on 21 August 2015, during the South Park Fun Day, or Moorside Park, in Great Crosby, from 12pm to 4pm, on 5 September 2015.

It follows a rise in dog bites on people in the past 3 years across Merseyside, some of which have resulted in serious injuries and in fatalities.

Officers who are trying to tackle the problem have analysed all the incidents and established that a growing number of dog-related incidents are happening in public parks rather than people's homes.

In the past three years the summer months in particular have seen a rise with most dog bites against people and other dogs happening between 11am and 5pm, when the parks are busiest.

Merseyside Police, Sefton Council and Dogs Trust believe that owners getting their dog or dogs micro chipped is a sign that they want to be a responsible dog owner and ensure their dog does not attack another dog or a person.

Micro chipping enables that particular dog to be linked to its owner and if the dog ever goes missing or is stolen but found by the police or a dog charity, it can be scanned and returned to its rightful owner.

Inspector Karen Dowden, from Bootle and Crosby neighbourhood, said:- "We are absolutely determined to reduce the numbers of children in Merseyside being hurt by dogs. It is crucial that we educate owners about what it means to be a responsible dog lover. This can be anything from getting the dog properly trained from an early age, keeping it a comfortable, spacious and secure part of your property, taking it for regular walks to socialise with other dogs and burn off some energy, and get it chipped, neutered and insured. By working with the Dogs Trust and the Guide Dogs for the Blind to offer a free chipping service we are also hoping to get the opportunity to speak to dog owners in our local parks and make sure they are aware of all the dog legislation, are aware of the advice and have the opportunity to ask our specialist officers any questions they might have. We are lucky to have some fantastic parks here in Sefton and everyone has a right to enjoy them in a safe and legal way without being in fear of being approached by an aggressive or out-of-control dog. This is one part of a wider operation we will be carrying out in August and September to help keep people safe and raise awareness and I'd encourage people to come along and see us."

Police appealing for help after a motorcyclist collides with cyclist

MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone who can identify a motorcyclist who collided with a cyclist, on a footpath in Aintree. The incident happened at around 5.10pm, on Thursday, 23 July 2015, on the loop line footpath near Crescent Road in Aintree. Officers believe the suspect was riding an unregistered off road motorcycle at high speed on the footpath and ran head on into a pedal cyclist, causing serious injuries to the cyclist, including a broken collarbone and 3 broken ribs. The pedal cyclist is profoundly deaf and so did not hear the approaching motorcycle until it collided with him. Officers have issued a picture of a person who they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Inspector Chris Dillon ​said:- "We would appeal to anyone who was using the loop line on that day and who may have witnessed the incident, or knows who was riding the bike to come forward. The offender's actions are particularly heartless and callous as he stopped and looked at the seriously injured cyclist for a few seconds before riding away at speed."

Anybody who may have seen the incident, or who can identify the person in the photograph, is asked to contact the MSOC Roads Policing Department on:- 0151 777 5747 or Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.

Care leavers urge Government for more support

CARE leavers in England are calling on the new Government for help with employment, training and housing, and for continued support beyond the current age of 21, a new report says.

The report from Access All Areas, a coalition of leading youth charities, shows that care leavers want support up to the age of 25, whether or not they are in education or training, and also more support for those in prison.

Findings also show that care leavers are calling for better housing, and employment training and financial support.

Care leavers and Access All Areas are now calling on the Westminster Government to review care leavers policies and to commit to improving the lives and opportunities available for young people leaving care.

Access All Areas is a coalition of leading youth charities including Barnardo's, The Care Leavers Association, The Prince's Trust and The Who Cares? Trust. The coalition gives young people a voice to let the government know what they want to Keep, Kick or Change, about leaving care in the new Parliament.

Together, the charities are calling on the Westminster Government to listen to the messages direct from care leavers, making sure that they have the best opportunities as they enter adult life.

Javed Khan, Chief Executive of Barnardo's said:- "Young people who've left care and are taking their first steps into adult life have sent a clear message to the Government; they want more help, and for longer. The Government must now listen to these young people, putting their needs at the heart of policies. They can start by making sure that each care leaver's personal adviser can continue giving them lifeline housing, jobs, training and money advice up until they're 25 years old."

Lindsay Owen, deputy director of policy and evaluation at The Prince's Trust, said:- "Findings from The Prince's Trust's 'From Care to Independence' research show that care leavers are not getting all the support they need from statutory services. It is therefore crucial that the government continues to build on the positive work of the Care Leaver's Strategy and ensures that care leavers receive the help they require."

Natasha Finlayson, Chief Executive of The Who Cares? Trust, said:- "The young people who took part in Access All Areas had a clear message for policymakers: more needs to be done, now, to support thousands of care leavers as they journey into adulthood. Findings from the National Audit Office report published in July only serve to emphasise the urgent need for leadership from central and local government to improve the life chances of the children and young people in their care."

David Graham, National Director of The Care Leavers' Association, said:- "The government needs to improve the system so that care leavers can get the exact support they need when they need it; and not base the support on age related criteria."