On many of the county’s beaches including Weymouth Beach, the start of the spring and summer restrictions for dogs will begin next week. These restrictions are contained within public spaces protection orders (PSPO) and look to protect public health. Dorset council has been asked if these restrictions can be changed due to the Coronavirus situation. These restrictions can only be changed following a legal process including a public consultation.
As in previous years, dog owners can exercise their dogs in the designated areas taking account of the social distancing requirements. People should not travel to beaches to exercise their dogs, Government guidance is to stay local.
Cllr Tony Alford, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said:
“We recognise that many fewer residents will be visiting the beach at the present time due to the social distancing restrictions. While there should be many fewer dogs accessing the beach, the PSPOs remain in force and they are there for the safety of people. We are currently carrying out a consultation about them and I invite those who have not completed it, to do so.”
We are currently running a consultation asking people’s opinions to inform the PSPOs for the future. Give us your views.
Find out more about designated areas on beaches for dog walking
Working on the frontline ,I would have thought that like the NHS in this time of need you could make immediate changes. We do not need draconian procedures to cause problems with social distancing in Weymouth. Get your act together. Act now to ensure social distancing is maintained, and lives are saved. There is no time for you to waste , making up your minds. Have the courage to act now and delay the ban on dog walking on Weymouth beach. You can be sure that your actions now will be remembered and this will include your inaction.
Most dog owners clean up after their dogs and keep their dogs under control, I cannot however say the same for most non dog owners who leave used bbq’s, dirty nappies, plastic bottles and other such rubbish on our beaches in the summer months. It’s about time these ridiculous restrictions were lifted.
Responsible dog owners clear up after there dog , unlike the idiots burying lit bbq in the sand after use and the litter as well as humans using the beach as a toilet in the last lockdown
I’m sorry to disagree with the previous obviously dog owners that they are more likely to clean up after their dogs, but if you walk the fields behind the Roman Temple at Preston, and along the coast path to Osmington you will find lots of dog excrement and dog toilet bags slung in the long grass and hedges.