HAVE YOUR SAY ON CHANGING DOG BEACH BANS IN GWYNEDD

A CONSULTATION has been launched on the potential for further “no go” areas for dogs in a bid to combat dog fouling in Gwynedd.

Gwynedd Council’s cabinet has unanimously backed the public exercise, with options including the potential for changes to current restrictions on dogs at certain beaches and other public places.

Addressing Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, the portfolio holder acknowledged the need for regulations that respected the varying opinions relating to the animals, but added a “small minority” of their owners were not being responsible.

Cllr Catrin Wager, cabinet member for highways and municipal matters, went on to say: “Having dog mess on our streets is not acceptable, we’ve run various campaigns to try and reduce incidents of fouling and have been providing free dog waste bags.

“But sadly a small minority refuse to adhere and that is why in essence this report is before you today. Residents will be aware dogs were restricted from play areas and school grounds some time ago, and while legislation has changed, the essence of what we are proposing remains largely the same.

“Requests have been made to amend the footprint of existing seasonal dog control areas at Tywyn, Fairbourne, Abersoch and Porthor, and another to not seasonally restrict dogs at one of Criccieth’s beaches.”

But the report also noted that a new Public Spaces Protection Order would let the authority redefine and manage the dog controls “in accordance with what is genuinely causing anti-social problems in the county.”

If approved on a county-wide basis, it would allow the exclusion of dogs from specific areas at specific times of the year, the prohibition of fouling of land by dogs and making it mandatory to keep dogs on a lead in specific areas if instructed to do so by an authorised officer.

Failure to comply could land a fixed penalty notice of £100, if approved.

Cllr Wager concluded: “The consultation won’t only be about dog fouling, we will also want to hear people’s views about areas where dogs have or should be restricted, such as school grounds, children’s play areas and certain beaches.

“I know that people have strong feelings about dog fouling and dog restrictions, and I’d encourage local residents to share those views with us – if you own a dog or not – to help us ensure that the new arrangements meet local needs.”

The cabinet unanimously approved the launching of a public consultation, which got under way on Monday.