Councils are urged to ignore ban on beach dog walking

Pet owners have called on councils to stop dog walking restrictions on beaches during the lockdown period.

Bans are usually put in place on popular stretches of coast from May 1 until September 30.

This is to stop pooches being a nuisance to other users during the busier months.

But some owners are urging councils to lift or relax the restrictions during the months ahead, saying it will make it easier for people to follow social distancing rules.

They warn failing to temporarily scrap the ban will lead to more people on pavements, in parks or driving to places to walk their dogs.

But Thanet council says it will still be putting the ban in place, a move some have described as short-sighted.

Dog owner Sarah Wyld says she can understand the restrictions usually, but during lockdown it is absurd.

Liz James warns it will make it harder for social distancing.

And Ylande Evison, who uses Viking Bay for dog walking, argues people living in Broadstairs will have to drive elsewhere.

She said: “It’s very short sighted of TDC in these times of social distancing.”

Council leader Cllr Rick Everitt says the restrictions, which include Margate Main Sands and Botany Bay in Kingsgate, are contained within Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) which can only be changed following a legal process, including a public consultation.

He says there are 10 beaches in the district where dogs are welcome all year round as well as other open spaces to use.

In Dover, however, the council will relax the rules so people can stay local, following an appeal by the RSPCA.

Spokesman Andy Steele said: “We are temporarily relaxing the restrictions in the PSPO on where dogs can be walked.

“This is to help prevent unnecessary travel and curb potential spread of coronavirus.

“In line with RSPCA guidance, we also urge people to keep dogs on leads where necessary to help ensure social distancing and avoid owners having to come into close contact with one another should they have to go and retrieve their dog.”

Council officials in Canterbury say they won’t be lifting the bans on Herne Bay Central and Tankerton, but they won’t be issuing fines.

Spokesman Rob Davies says they feel common sense should prevail.

“Lifting the ban itself is pointless because we’d just have to put it back in place again some time down the line,” he said.

“But equally we won’t be issuing fixed penalty notices to people who happen to be on the beach with a dog because they have found it to be the only way to observe social distancing rules.

“However, should we see someone on the beach blatantly flouting the ban and causing problems for others, we would advise them it still remains in place, and would deal with repeated transgressions by issuing an FPN.

“We’re confident, though, that the residents of our district are mature enough to supervise their pets, behave in a sensible way and respect other people, so that this option of last resort is never needed.”

A spokesman for Swale council said: “Whilst we know people will be listening to government advice and not visiting the beach for prolonged periods, the restriction will be in place as normal to maintain water quality results, and dog owners and walkers are encouraged to use the variety of other options available.

“Sheerness, Leysdown and Minster all have dog friendly areas of the beach that are available all year round.”

Three dogs cavort on the beach at Herne Bay