Also, the dog cannot be left in possession or control of anybody under the age of 16.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Merseyside | Merseyside's dogs amnesty begins

Fixed penalty notices can be issued by a PCSO to people who cycle on a footpath, litter or commit offences under dog control orders.

BBC: PCSO

"Dog owners already have a duty of care under the Animal Welfare Act but it can be difficult to ensure that this duty is being met without a reliable form of identification, " he said.

BBC: Dog microchipping to be compulsory in Wales by 2015