Have your say on dogs in public spaces

Posted on 61 Comments on Have your say on dogs in public spaces

Dorset Council is today launching a 12-week public consultation on rules about dogs in public spaces This will help with the development of the new Dorset-wide Dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order.

The consultation is a chance for people – residents, business owners, organisations and visitors – to have their say on where and when they think there should be restrictions on dogs in public places, including beaches. It will also cover topics such as fouling and lead length.

Cllr. Tony Alford, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said: “These Orders are to make sure that everyone – with or without dogs – can safely enjoy public spaces.  We  want to hear a wide range of views from as many people as possible.  We know that people hold very strong views on the topic and we aim to reflect a balanced and fair perspective within the new Order. .

The survey will run from today, Friday 24 January until midnight 19 April 2020.

Find the consultation survey.  Paper copies of the survey can be obtained at any one of Dorset Council’s libraries.  The survey can be made available in other formats and languages by calling 01305 252472.  The survey will be promoted through the council’s print and digital channels.

In December 2019, the existing Orders of former West Dorset, East Dorset, and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Orders were extended to 31 December 2020. This was to maintain public safety by allowing time for the public consultation and implementation of a new Dorset-wide Order to take place without the expiry of those current orders.

Find out more about this and the work of the Dog Wardens

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61 thoughts on “Have your say on dogs in public spaces”


  1. There are far too many dogs in the community. The old dog licence should be reintroduced at a level that would fund dog wardens and the care of animals impounded. Exceptions could be granted for guide dogs and true working dogs.
    ‘Poo’ bags must be bio-degradable so that when people throw their dogs’ bagged waste into the hedge it will eventually disappear.
    Current dog free areas must be strictly enforced to safeguard children from infection.
    Owners of dogs that worry farm animals must be heavily fined.

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    2. I do agree with the reintroduction of dog licences. It would serve several purposes:- provide revenue for Dog Wardens etc. Ensure owners of dogs can be traced. Make owners more responsible for their animals. Give Councils the means to double check on breeders sticking to one litter per year.
      I only use biodegradable poo bags, and feel all should be biodegradable.
      Absolutely Dog Free Zones should be exactly that.
      Totally agree that owners of dogs with Anti Social Behaviour/ Animal worrying should be very heavily fined if found to be so while in public.

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    3. I think it’s great to see dogs , their owners and children out and about . It’s not like in years past where dogs roam the streets without an owner. 99.9 per cent of people are responsible owners . Where are they supposed to take their dogs, if not to open public places?
      It’s lovely going for a long walk with family , which includes a dog !! A dog is part of the family.

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        1. I would like to ban people from beauty spots , as people cause more upset , pollution, and rubbish . Humans should only be aloud out if they have a license , and licenses can only be granted to sane people , who clean up after themselves and carry no diseases.
          Humans are far more hazardous than dogs or animals in general.

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      2. It’s part of the delight of living by the sea to see the dogs running around on the beach and in the sea. Long may it be so!

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        2. My dogs are my companions.. They are a pair of gentle giants and known as so in many places eg beach restaurants, Meyrick Pk, New Forest, Pubs etc… I always poo pick and include them where I can as a responsible dog owner. I’m f this stopped myself and my dog friendly friends would be devastated.. they are part of my family… I’d love to see a dog friendly pool or water park , however also understand that some people want dog free places… There’s room enough for both..

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          2. My two dogs are very friendly and I consider myself to be a responsible owner. More people own dogs these days and take them on holiday with them. Visitors and locals should be made aware that some areas are available for dogs to run free and if they do not want to be confronted by dogs then not to use that area. Many pubs and cafes are now dog friendly as owners are more aware that by refusing to allow dogs they are losing a lot of custom, also most dogs belonging to responsible are better behaved than lots of children. As for extending the ban time the council are pandering to just a minority who would like to ban dogs from all public spaces.


      3. I definitely agree with J Moore – dogs are good for all people that wish to have one (or 2). Most owners love their animals and walking is good for everyone. We have had several dogs over the years and we never had a “bad” one! They are more than ‘just a dog’ they become loving members of the family if treated well. My husband is in his 80s and still walks our Jack Russell every day!!

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    4. It’s peoples attitude to dogs if you love your dog then you clean up after it & care for its surroundings, it’s only a few that ruin it, if you ban dogs from everywhere you will find people will not want to come here, plus people are worse than most dogs as have seen what some do in car parks local & they are local, let’s catch the ones who ruin everything , dogs are man’s best friend treat them as that

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    5. Unfortunately like all litter placed in biodegradable bags, this has been found to compromise the waste disposal system, like unwrapped nappies methane can escape into the atmosphere. 89.0000 dog owners in the UK confirms dog owners do dispose of not only dog waste but also collect litter from our environment. If we didn’t we would be knee deep in single use plastics

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    6. I say it’s about time all dogs should be DNA tested which then is stored. So when dog poo is lying around its tested for it DNA. Then the dog owner should be fined and be not allowed to have another dog for a year.

      On walks in the countryside all dogs must be on leads. End of.

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      1. Completely agree with the DNA requirement. No dog owner would dare let their dog out of site if they knew they’d get caught and fined!

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  2. Business needs dog families they make up a huge part of tourism it’s not rocket science , welcome then do not ostracise them as Weymouth does in March June sept Oct four months that we do not need a bab on our beach!!!

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    2. Dogs are always treated as the culprit.
      It’s humans that leave mess whether it be bottles, cans, general rubbish or dog poo. I walk on a beach each month and I litter pick each time.

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  3. I strongly object to the beach in Weymouth ban being from 31st Oct to Good Friday, whenever that falls.
    The National Trust, Bournemouth, Poole – all have bans from 30 April – 30th Sept and it works well. What is so special about Weymouth ? The ban was extended AFTER a consultation that voted to leave the original ban in place but was over ruled by Cllrs, who presumably have a different agenda than representing their constituents.
    What about the businesses, cafes, pubs etc who are losing trade.
    We used to walk on the beach, have a coffee/lunch, shop whatever. Now we go elsewhere, resulting in Weymouth losing parking charges and income.
    We also tell other dog owners about the extended ban if they mention coming to Weymouth with their dogs out of season.

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    2. We hope our dog friendly sticker help our businesses to survive during this ban as stake holders dogfriendly (Weymouth ) and Portland ask you to share this with as many people as possible. We want everyone to have the opportunity to have their say, please bag it bin it thank you

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  4. You really need to have mobile patrol dog wardens walking in the areas where people walk their dogs.But they need proper powers to confront owners.A lot of irresponsible dog owners dont take kindly to being told.
    Bring back Dog licenses and compulsory Chipping.
    May be then the situation might improve. However the Laws have to be in place in the first place
    The present Dog Warden procedures are not fit for purpose.

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    2. We work closely with the dog warden service but understand their resources make it difficult to patrol areas. Dog walkers are taking positive action and we are working with local beaver groups parks department and our council to help change everyone’s opinion

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  6. We have so so many dog owners in Dorset who treat them like children,if they have there opinion,they would have them going every where,but just not right for children,firstly some children are afraid of them,secondly they poo on the beaches which is extremely dangerous for children

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    2. Please join a local litter group Paws Weymouth Litter group, on Facebook you will see how many people are helping to keep our beach clean and safe for everyone who visits. I respect everyone right to access our beach especially those who are disabled and rely on service dogs, children with autism often find people frighting

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  7. Dogs need exercise off lead to stay healthy. Being restricted to lead walks only does not satisfy their fitness needs.

    The beach is the only place in the winter where dogs can run free without getting dirty by the boggy land currently in forests, fields and parks. Without beaches, during the winter, being a dog owner would not be enjoyable. I certainly wouldnt have another one. The majority of visitors to sandbanks in the winter have a dog… no one is there to sunbathe in the winter.

    Places like hamworthy should remain dog friendly year round. People should visit dog free beaches in the summer if they do not like dogs.

    Too many places have become dog on lead places. I think a better solution would be for dog owners to prove by way of certification that their dog has undergone a certain level of training. All dogs with a history of bad behaviour should wear muzzles.

    Dorset Council should take the lead from Cornwall which attractions are majority dog friendly.

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    1. I agree with this comment. Our dog loves going to the beach in winter (we only get down there a few times). She loves swimming. We certainly ‘pick up’ in public places. There is far more rubbish left on beaches from humans.

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    2. I lived in North Wales for many happy years, walking my dogs on beaches. In winter, the whole beach was available. During the warmer months the beach was divided into two; one side: dogs allowed, the other side: dogs banned, until the temperatures dropped. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the exact dates for the change-overs, but they where fixed dates so you could plan ahead.
      Would this arrangement help with the dogs on beaches problem?
      Collection bins for used poo-bags were always numerous and prominently placed.

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  8. The vast majority of dog owners are socially responsible and often with children of their own. Their dogs are fully functioning members of the family. You would find they find dog poo as abhorrent as any non dog owner and go to great lengths to ensure their dogs are safe and well controlled , but still at liberty to play when appropriate. Please don’t discriminate against the majority based on the antisocial behaviour of a few.
    There are many members of the community who are given purpose and structure in their lives because of their dog who may be their only close family member. Walking the dog is often the only way some people have to meet and socialize with others. It is well documented that dogs provide many positive contributions to mental health and well being – hence their increasing use as therapy dogs , and the adoption of dogs in schools. There is considerable research, in addition, that the daily exercise associated with walking the dog has a massive contribution to improving physical health and actually contributes to reducing dependency on NHS services .
    So,increase and implement fines for dog fouling by all means. have some areas that remain dog free of course, but please do not isolate or treat all dog owners as second class citizens who need to be constrained and shut out of the local community. The world, and that includes Dorset, would be a much sadder and less healthy and appreciated place if dog owners were actively discriminated and excluded from public spaces.

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    3. This statement by Anne Craggs is well written and certainly covers so many positive points, especially how dogs help children in the community in so many ways. We should not even think of banning dogs in public places. I repeat Anne’s plea “Please don’t discriminate against the majority based on the antisocial behaviour of a few”.

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    4. Well said I totally agree, dogs have a great part to play in many peoples daily life and 99.9% of dog owners are responsible adults taking care of the community. The beach is such a joyful place for both owners and dogs!

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  9. Children are not intrinsically afraid of dogs. It’s usually a parental issue. As for dogs messing on a beach a couple of issues for consideration
    1. Beaches are washed twice daily
    2. There is far more filth left on the beaches by humans and their children.
    3. Dog walkers collect the human waste as they don’t want their animals eating what is left.

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  10. I live near Lyme Regis and there are very few places you can let dogs get some exercise and run off the lead and interact with other dogs. This is a huge shame for the animals as well as their owners, especially when beaches are made out of bounds. In winter there are very few places we can give the dogs a run as it’s so muddy in most woods and fields. I would like to see more beaches designated as dog friendly, so owners can take their animals there and people who are scared of dogs can simply avoid them.

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  11. My objection to dogs in the countryside is threefold:
    1) I object to large dogs barking and running up to me as if they were about to attack. Comments from owner like ‘he’s just playing’ do not overcome the sense of fear I feel under these circumstances.
    2) I object to the finding dog poo on public paths, but even more so, object to owners collecting the poo then leaving it hanging on branches in the car park. It’s your dog’s poo, take it home.
    3) I object to dog’s being exercised in areas where dog walking is detrimental to the primary function of that area. Dogs would not be allowed to run free on tennis courts or golf courses yet they are allowed to do so in nature reserves. Dogs frightening birds, especially waders and wildfowl, along the water’s edge is a daily occurrence. These birds have flown from Siberia to winter here and are chased by dogs on a daily basis causing them to loose time feeding and expend unnecessary energy. In place like Studland Bay this is a continuous process meaning that the birds can only refuel at night. Although not a nature reserve, the situation on Baiter Park is appalling with some owners deliberately allowing their dogs to chase the flock of Brent Geese that feed there. Where any wildlife is present then dogs should be on leads. The current trend of a single person walking six or more dogs merely aggravates an already bad situation.

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  12. In busy locations that attract a lot of families, and groups of children, dogs should be kept on leads. Not because of the dogs, but because most children aren’t taught how to behave when dogs are around. Provocation of dogs by ‘badly-trained’ children, such as running past when dogs love to chase, is a big problem, and cause of many alleged ‘dog attacks’.

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  13. This man David obviously has something against dogs .
    If dogs are trained properly they’re not interfering or interested in you or other people.

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  14. Love to see well behaved dogs ( like well behaved children) enjoying life with their families which includes access to public spaces.

    It is not dogs per se but rather irresponsible owners who are the problem.

    Leads should be used when required to keep the dog under close control and dogs should have good recall if they are to be allowed off the lead.

    Poo bags should be biodegradable AND disposed of in a bin NOT left in hedgerows or anywhere else as to leave lying around you may as well have left the poo.

    Proper disposal of poo bags is particularly important if walking across grazing land as grazing animals (particularly horses) have been known to eat the bags which get stuck in their gut and generally ends in the death of the animal or at the very least a very expensive gut operation to remove the obstruction.

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  15. It is such a shame that an animal that gives so much enjoyment to so many people is so abhorred by some members of our council. It appears to be a definite anti-dog agenda. The people who own dogs are some of the most regular visitors to our area. I recently went to cornwall, where dogs were welcomed almost everywhere, it was a very happy sight to see so many people enjoying their holidays with their pets. However as in any antisocial situation education and raising public and dog owner awareness about any nuisance is essential. There is a middle way for dogs and non dog lovers to co exsist but tolerance is essential, and sometimes that seems in short supply.

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  16. The key to everyone enjoying our beautiful public places is proper enforcement whether it be in relation to dogs or general anti-social behaviour. The vast majority of dog owners are socially responsible people and it is completely wrong to penalise the many for the sins of the few. It is essential to an effective functioning society that there is better policing and enforcement of misdemeanours – put more resources towards this and the benefits will outweigh the costs.

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  17. I am right now desperately searching for a dog free zone to take my family for a picnic in Dorset tomorrow but not the beach because that is getting to busy and it is not possible to stay 2m away from people, but I cannot find anywhere. It is awful that for people who are afraid of dogs and people who do not like other people’s dogs jumping up a them because their owners have not bothered to train their dog or for people who do not want several dogs throughout the day running right through the centre of their picnic and scattering their food everywhere and making it inedible, there is nowhere to go and we are deemed mean and selfish. We just want some peace. Please please PLEASE can we have some dog free zones? Dogs are terrible for the environment, disturb nesting birds, have a massive carbon footprint so although I do feel that for some people they are a crucial source of love and support why do dog owner and dogs have the rights to stress and upset and dirty and spoil things for people who do not want a dog and people who do not want a dog have no rights to some peace and cleanliness and not being jumped on and disturbed. A dog is not a right, it is a privilege; and it is not a privilege that should take away the rights of people who do not want to be disturbed by them. And so so many people do not take the responsibility of their dog seriously and train it to be well behaved. Would you let your child jump up and put mud on strangers and scratch their clothes with their claws? Would you let your child run through someones picnic ruining it in the process? Haha well some would yes, there are some really ignorant rude people around, but most wouldn’t however they would allow their dog to do that. Just because you ADORE your dog and think it can do no wrong, it is rude to allow it to upset and disturb other people. A lot of people including children are afraid of dogs (an inherited throwback from our caveman days) so WHY is it okay to have pretty much no DOG-FREE zones and be considered a meany for thinking we need them? Can we have some support here? I cannot be the only one who is thinking it is time for some change.

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  18. I think it’s great to see dogs, their owners, and children out and about. People will learn and handle dogs well with this type of exercise.

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