People in Swanage and across Dorset are being asked to voice their views on the controversial subject of rules for dogs and their owners in public areas including beaches. Dorset Council is today launching a 12-week public consultation on regulations about dogs in public spaces.
The consultation is a chance for people – residents, business owners, organisations and visitors – to have their say on where and when they think there should be restrictions on dogs. It will also cover topics such as dog poo and lead length.
Consolidation of rules for dogs
The council says this will help them with the development of the new Dorset-wide Dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order. These orders typically make the rules on where dogs can be walked, at what times of the year and whether they need to be on a lead and the length of the lead.
Currently there are a number of existing dog-related Public Spaces Protection Orders (‘PSPOs’) across the Dorset Council area. Some of these Orders will soon naturally expire and the council says it is taking this opportunity to consolidate them into one.
Councillor Tony Alford, Dorset Council portfolio holder for customer, community and regulatory services, said:
“These Orders are to make sure that everyone – with or without dogs – can safely enjoy public spaces.
“We want to hear a wide range of views from as many people as possible. We know that people hold very strong views on the topic and we aim to reflect a balanced and fair perspective within the new Order.”
The survey will run from today, Friday 24 January until midnight 19 April 2020 and can be completed online
