Dogs on Beaches – Survey
Cornwall has hundreds of beaches, and as we know only too well many dog owners like to be able to take their dogs on Cornwall’s beaches. Every three years Cornwall Council consults on the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which is in place to balance the needs of dog owners and others who enjoy the Cornish beaches that are subject to seasonal restrictions on dogs.
On most of these beaches, dogs are currently not allowed between 10am and 6pm from 1 July to 31 August. On beaches that hold Blue Flag or Seaside Award status, restrictions are in place for longer, starting on 15 May and ending on 30 September. Some privately owned beaches have their own restrictions in place, but there are also many other beaches that do not have any restrictions for dogs at all.
The feedback the council receives suggests that the current level of restrictions works well for most beach users. During the summer months, people are still able to take their dogs for a beach walk in the early morning and the evening, while people who prefer a beach to be dog free are clear about the months and times of day they can expect this.
People disregarding the PSPO are given advice to leave the restricted area with their dogs, however if they don’t follow this advice, £100 Fixed Penalty Notices are issued. Patrols are undertaken by a mix of Dog Welfare Enforcement officers, Town and Parish Council officers and Civil Enforcement Officers.
Cornwall Council proposes to leave the current restrictions in place as they are. If you’d like to provide feedback to Conrwall Council you can use the form on this page of their web site.