New Policy on Dogs on Beaches Planned for This Summer
A new policy surrounding dogs on beaches is set to be implemented this summer in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The move comes as a response to the historic bans that have been in place from May 1 to September 30 on several popular beaches in the county, frequented by both locals and visitors alike. Some of these beaches include Tenby North Beach, Whitesands in St Davids, parts of Lydstep, Newgale, Saundersfoot, Tenby Castle, South Beach, Amroth beach and Promenade, Poppit Sands, Broad Haven North, Dale, and Coppet Hall.
The Pembrokeshire County Council’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee recently discussed the potential trial of a new approach that focuses on educational measures rather than strict enforcement. The proposed strategy aims to better inform both residents and tourists about the rules regarding dogs on beaches. The committee highlighted the importance of striking a balance between enforcement and guidance, with first-time offenders potentially receiving warnings instead of immediate fines.
According to the council, the revised protocol will involve increasing communication through updated signage, boosting the presence of Enviro-crime officers, amending bylaws, and testing a new enforcement procedure specifically for dog restrictions on beaches during the upcoming summer season. The approach will be intelligence-led, targeting problematic areas to ensure compliance with the regulations.
During the discussions, concerns were raised about the strict bans in place on certain beaches for a significant portion of the year. Councillor Rhys Jordan expressed reservations about these blanket restrictions, suggesting that they may disproportionately penalise responsible dog owners. On the other hand, Councillor Mark Carter emphasised the importance of fostering a welcoming environment for tourists and businesses, supporting the notion of offering warnings as an initial measure.
The proposed three-tiered strategy for enforcement involves engaging with dog owners found in restricted areas, issuing warnings with full contact details recorded, requesting owners to move their dogs away from the zone, and escalating to fixed penalty notices for non-compliance. Repeat offenders or instances of dog fouling will also result in fines. This approach is seen as a way to promote education and awareness while evaluating its effectiveness compared to previous seasons of strict enforcement.
Overall, the aim of the new policy is to prioritise education and communication over punitive measures, with a focus on striking a balance that considers the needs of both dog owners and beachgoers. By implementing a trial run of this approach during the upcoming summer season, the council hopes to gather valuable insights for further improvements in managing dogs on beaches in the future. The decision to endorse these recommendations marks a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and informed beach environment in Pembrokeshire.