Bournemouth Council Considering Year Round Beach Dog Ban

Bournemouth Council is to seek the advice of residents as they consider plans to ban dogs from the town’s beaches all year around. The proposals would also include a total dog ban in some areas, with any changes to the existing seafront dog restrictions set to be implemented from May 2009. There is currently a seasonal beach dog ban precluding dog owners from taking their pets to certain parts of the beach between May and September.

The informal public consultation is set to begin on Friday, though a formal consultation will take place before any firm decision is implemented. Whilst there is an option to make no changes to the current rules, locals may also voice their support for changes which could see the current beach dog ban extended to other areas, or for the current ban to last throughout the year.

Councillor Beverley Dunlop, cabinet member for economy and tourism, said: ‘We are very proud of our beaches which are there for everyone to enjoy, and the majority of dog owners respect the dog bylaws when exercising their dogs at the seafront. However, unfortunately, there still remains a significant minority who ignore the health and safety of others by allowing their dogs to cause a nuisance, and who fail to pick up their dog faeces. This is not about banning dogs on the whole of Bournemouth beach but is simply looking to refine the existing dog restrictions through public consultation’.