Dogs Trust Merseyside urges owners to "take the lead" on responsible walking after worrying survey results

DOGS Trust Merseyside is urging owners to:- "take the lead" and be considerate to other owners and members of the public when out walking their dogs following the release of new data showing that 30% of dogs had been involved in a situation that caused concern for the safety of a dog or person.

More than 406,000 people responded to Dogs Trust's National Dog Survey, the results of which also showed over a ⅓ of owners are anxious about the possibility of other dogs scaring or biting theirs. 21% admitted they actively avoid walking where or when they're likely to encounter other dogs.

The survey also highlighted the differences in how people prefer to manage their dogs during walks. 47% of dog owners prefer their dogs to be off lead as much as possible, while 43% think other dogs should remain on a lead to avoid potential conflicts. These different approaches can lead to friction, particularly as many dogs, including:- those affected by missed early life socialisation during the pandemic, are now being walked in shared spaces.

The National Dog Survey revealed, worryingly, that lots of dogs have poor recall skills, with 1 in 10 dogs rarely coming back when called.

Of those whose dog had been involved in a situation that caused concern for the safety of a dog or person, 11% of dogs developed behavioural changes after such an incident, while 5% required veterinary treatment.

While most dog owners agree that some lead etiquette should be followed, with 71% stating that dogs should be put on a lead when another dog is on lead, the survey revealed that 57% of dog owners also want their dogs to interact with others.

Maria Murray, Associate Director of Community Engagement at Dogs Trust, says:- "There are more dogs in the UK than ever before, and as a result, they are socialising with other dogs and people more than they would have done in the past. For many dogs and people, this is a positive experience and can be incredibly rewarding in terms of socialisation and behaviours. However, not all dogs, or people, are comfortable around other dogs, and owners need to be mindful of this. Being empathetic and respectful of others can go a long way in ensuring everyone, including:- dogs, owners, and members of the public, can share the same spaces. When it comes to interactions between:- dogs, this should always be on their terms and in a controlled environment, so both owners and their dogs feel safe and confident. And, before you let your dog off lead on walks, it's crucial to ensure they will always come back to you when called, no matter what's happening around them. Unfortunately, we found that 1 in 10 dogs rarely come back when called. Proper training is essential to ensure your dog knows that returning to you means rewards, such as treats or playtime."

Dogs Trust runs Dog School classes across Merseyside. During these classes, owners receive expert advice and practical training to help dogs and owners understand each other better and learn useful skills, including:- improving their dog's recall, training their dog to walk nicely on a lead and communicating effectively with their dog. For more information, visit:- DogsTrust.Org.UK.

Council to Launch a New Support Service to Help Keep Families Together

LIVERPOOL City Council and its partner agencies are set to introduce a transformative way of working to help families recovering from drug and alcohol addiction and who are receiving specialist care.

The Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) offers an alternative to the family Court process by providing parents with specialised support to address the root causes of substance misuse. This approach helps families create a healthier, more stable future.

Set to launch in April 2025, Liverpool will establish its own FDAC service at the Liverpool Civil and Family Court.

The Council's Children's and Public Health teams will work with partner agencies, including:- CAFCASS to develop a dedicated team of professionals, with the expert guidance of HHJ Parker, the Designated Family Judge for Cheshire and Merseyside, who has been a strong advocate for establishing FDAC for Liverpool families.

This team will specialise in substance use, mental health, domestic abuse, and child protection, ensuring comprehensive assistance to families who are under specialist care.

Parents will receive help and guidance to abstain from drugs and alcohol and are also provided with advice, treatment, and assistance in understanding and addressing any underlying issues.

Families are also supported in fostering stronger relationships and developing a lifestyle that prioritises children's needs.

The Council has seen a significant increase in care applications, with a 55% rise in cases from January to July 2024.

Nationally parental use of drugs and alcohol is estimated to be involved in ⅔ of care applications, making it a leading cause of child neglect and abuse.

The introduction of FDAC will help address these challenges by ensuring families receive the right support at the right time, ultimately aiming to reduce the number of children entering care.

Evidence from national research shows the effectiveness of FDACs:-

• 52% of children with a primary carer in FDAC care proceedings were reunified, compared to 12.5% in non-FDAC cases.
  

• FDAC parents are more likely to sustain abstinence from substance use long term, reducing the likelihood of repeat care proceedings.
  

• FDAC interventions lead to fewer contested hearings and shorter Court proceedings, generating cost savings for local authorities and the judicial.

Councillor Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services, said:- "Our children and young people deserve the best start in life, which means growing up in safe, stable, and loving homes. Introducing the Family Drug and Alcohol Court model represents a significant step forward in helping families overcome substance misuse challenges. By addressing the underlying causes that put families at risk, we're providing them the opportunity to stay together and thrive. This approach not only eases pressure on the Courts and vital services, but most importantly, puts our families' needs 1st."

Jenny Turnross Corporate Director of Children's Services said:- "The introduction of the Family Drug and Alcohol Court offers a real opportunity to give parents the support they need to turn their lives around. There is strong evidence that FDAC increases the chances of children being reunified with their parents. Additionally, parents in FDAC are more likely to achieve abstinence from substances by the end of proceedings. By working closely with our partners, families can receive the wrap-around care they need to stay together and build a more stable future. We will continue to monitor outcomes to ensure the best possible support for families in our community."

Designated Family Judge for Cheshire and Merseyside, HHJ Steven Parker, said:- "The establishment of the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) in Liverpool represents a major achievement for the family justice system in this great city, and the realisation of a personal ambition as Designated Family Judge. The intensive programme, run by a multi-disciplinary team, helps families affected by the complex challenges presented by the damaging effects of drug and alcohol abuse, domestic abuse, and mental health problems. We know this problem solving approach works and gives families the best chance of staying together or being re-united, when it is safe and in the best interests of the children to do so."