The new 2024 dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) across the Dorset Council area has officially been confirmed.
This follows the council’s Cabinet approving the recommendations made to them in a report for the dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) across the Dorset Council area.
There is now a period of six weeks where the Order can be challenged on the grounds that the council does not have the power to make the Order or include specific requirement within the Order, or that the legislation related to PSPO has not been followed. If there isn’t a challenge the order will come into effect on 1 January 2024.
The Cabinet report was formed following an extensive consultation that gathered views from residents, visitors, businesses and other organisations. The survey ran for 10 weeks.
4,221 responses were received. 80% of responses were from local residents, with 16.5% from visitors and 2.8% from other. 62% of responses came from dog owners. 9.5% of the respondents considered themselves having a disability.
The reason for implementing a dog related PSPO on specific beaches and open spaces is to keep them free from dog fouling and safe to use by all .
Insisting that dogs are on leads in particular areas means that the owner has adequate control over the dog which means that they can see if the dog fouls and doesn’t cause issues with other people or dogs.
Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services said:
“This has been an extensive consultation with a good cross section of people.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to implement the order according to the thoughts of most respondents.
“As the winter requirement to keep dogs on leads at Front Town Beach, Lyme Regis has now been removed, we will undertake a Spring review of that aspect of the Order.”
Unless amended at any stage, the Order will remain in place for 3 years. .
What will be the criteria for the Spring review?.
Hi Richard, this has yet to be drawn up, but we will take into account if any issues have happened with the removal of the restriction, how people are using the beach etc. Fiona
Hi Fiona, could you kindly clarify what would be perceived as an “issue”? We know from asking under the Freedom of Information Act that many emails of “complaint” were opinions from those who stated that eg “dogs should be on leads” “I think dogs shouldn’t be on the beach” ” I saw a dog wee-ing”. Is this the kind of “evidence” that would be taken into account in the Spring Review?
Or will it be concrete evidence, eg video evidence of something actually happening?
Debbie – As I responded to Linda – the criteria hasn’t been worked on yet, so I am unable to answer this at this time. Fiona
The rules for all dogs should be made simple and straightforward – all dogs should be kept on leads of no more than 2 metres in all public places. This will ensure the safety of the public and cut down fouling in these areas. Fenced dog exercise areas should be provided for dogs to be off lead .
I see no provision has been made in the PSPO for those with disabilities who do not have an assistance dog but have a pet dog, for safe accessible access to the front beach in Lyme Regis. Dorset Council have stated there is no other place suitable in Lyme Regis For the disabled to give off lead exercise for their dogs.
Hi Delphine – the restriction that currently applies to Lyme Regis front beach will be removed from the 1 january. This means that any dog owner will be able to use that beach, it’s not dependant upon whether they are assistance or pet dogs. I hope this clarifies this point for you. Fiona
Thank you our question is how will you monitor Lyme Regis beach, what evidence will you accept to prove locals and visitors using Lyme Regis Beach with their dogs will be included in any documentation during any reviews, would this need to be accompanied by photos will it just be Dog Warden and Lyme Regis Town Council officers who will monitor this or will the public need to contact Lyme Regis Town Council who have asked for this ammendment to the Dorset Wide Consultation Dog Related
Hi Linda – as I said we haven’t worked up the how yet. Fiona
I believe Delphine is referring to ALL year access as a disability doesn’t vanish in the summer months.
Hi Debbie – our wardens have been given advice about managing these situations sensitively. It is a balancing act, but the main issue is preventing or clearing up after your dog. If a dog is under control, and close at hand then the owner will be able to do this. Fiona
So dogs can no longer fetch a ball? Surely anyone knows that is what they love doing???????
Children wee and poo on the beaches all the time. Adults bury nappies and other litter in the sand.
You will end up with anxious, stressed and under socialised, under exercised dogs. Not everyone who lives by a beach and relies on exercising their dogs there has transport to go elsewhere.
Not all dogs wearing muzzles are aggressive. Alot of them are used to stop them eating disguarded food left by people.
Have dog wardens who can hand out fines to owners that don’t pick up. Have a website where we can send body cam footage of aggressive dogs and owners.
You rely on dog owners to litter pick, so our dogs are safe in public areas, because the council doesn’t do it and yet you do everything you can to stop our dogs having any enjoyment.
I am done now, you can pick your own litter.
Could Dorset council please release the findings of their “consultation” and the reasons behind this “PSPO? As it stands, this restriction is in breach of the directives under the ECHR and is unlawful.
Hi Paul – you can find all the relevant documentation at https://moderngov.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/documents/s37251/Recommendation%20to%20Cabinet%20-%20Dog%20Related%20PSPO.pdf if you feel it is unlawful this is the period that you can challenge it in. Fiona
I am really unclear if this order relates to all beaches in Dorset all of the time (except Lyme regis). The news report states specific beaches. Could you clarify please or signpost me to where i can find this information.
Hi Justine – you can find all the information at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/countryside-coast-parks/dog-walking-in-dorset/walking-dogs-on-beaches Fiona