Strict ban across UK beaches now in force that could see you slapped with £1,000 fine.. check which spots are exempt
HUNDREDS of UK beaches are now subject to new dog rules rolled out last week, with some beaches banning dogs entirely until autumn.
Owners could face hefty fines of up to £1,000 if caught flouting the rules.
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The dog bans took effect on May 1 and will remain in force until September.
The crackdown aims to keep beaches clean and safe during the busy summer season - but pet owners are being urged to check local rules.
Chris Maxted, director of retractable dog gate firm Dog-G8, explained: "Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to protect water quality and maintain the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas value.
"Dog excrement and urine can have a significant impact on water quality, making it unsuitable for swimming.
"Public Spaces Protection Orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling.
"These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing."
He added: "It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly.
"Many beaches allow dogs from October 1 to April 30 but enforce restrictions from May to September under Public Space Protection Orders.
"Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades.
"Ignoring these rules can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine or, if escalated to court, a fine of up to £1,000."
Maxted pointed out that many beaches remain dog-friendly all year round.
He said: "Across England, many counties offer a variety of dog-friendly beaches all year round, with Devon leading the way with 79 locations.
"This gives dog owners plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast with their pets without the worry of seasonal restrictions."
Guide dogs are exempt, but only if they're working, wearing a harness and on a lead.
Dog-friendly beach information can be found on local council websites.
The strict rules began in 2019, when Weymouth Beach first implemented the dog ban.
Although beaches in Wirral attempted to enforce a similar ban back in 2017, their efforts were unsuccessful.
The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) often runs from the start of May to September 30, during the busy tourist season.
The rules vary: some beaches enforce a full dog ban, while others allow dogs as long as they're kept on a leash at all times.
Certain beaches only impose restrictions during peak hours, such as from 10am to 6pm.
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