Dog owners who flout the law could be slapped with a £100 fine, which could rise to a maximum of £1,000. The restrictions will run from May to September
Dog lovers could be slapped with fines of up to £1,000 as new beach restrictions are set to come into force in many areas from May. These rules across various UK spots are designed to keep the waters clean and the sands inviting for everyone.
Chris Maxted from Dog-G8, a firm specialising in dog safety gates, is urging pet owners to brush up on local regulations to be vigilant about these fines, according to Lancs Live. He said: “Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value. Dog fouling and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming.”
He went on to say: “Public Spaces Protection Orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling. These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing.”
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Chris hammered home the need for dog owners to stay clued-up on the dos and don’ts at local beaches. He warned: “It’s important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly. Many beaches allow dogs from 1 October to 30 April but enforce restrictions from May to September under Public Space Protection Orders.”
He also highlighted that while some places might have outright bans, others may just ask for pooches to be on leads or stick to the promenade. But there’s good news for guide dogs – they’re allowed to join their humans on the sand all year round, no matter the rules.
For other dog owners, though, ignoring the rules could result in a swift £100 penalty, or, if it goes to court, fines might rocket up to £1,000. Chris has now dished out some advice for pet owners planning beach outings.
He said: “To find out which beaches are open all year round and dog-friendly, it’s best to check your local council website. Most councils provide up-to-date information on beach regulations, including any seasonal restrictions or rules regarding pets, so you can plan your visit accordingly.”
He added: “Across England, many counties offer a variety of dog-friendly beaches all year round, with Devon leading the way with 79 locations. This gives dog owners plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast with their pets without the worry of seasonal restrictions.”
Check out this list of regions for beach days with your dog. The number indicates the amount of dog-friendly beaches there:
- Cornwall: 60
- Essex: 8
- Isle of Wight: 15
- Yorkshire: 24
- Dorset: 37
- Kent: 19
- Suffolk: 9
- Lancashire: 8
- Northumberland: 37
- Gloucestershire: 1
- Lincolnshire: 5
- Devon: 79
- County Durham: 12
- Tyne and Wear: 3
- West Sussex: 11
- Isles of Scilly: 1
- Merseyside: 11
- Hampshire: 4
- East Sussex: 18
- Norfolk: 21
- Cumbria: 24