Cornwall Council is reminding dog owners to act responsibly now that restrictions on many of beaches have come to an end.
During the summer months, Cornwall Council enforces restrictions that prevent dogs from going on 43 beaches, which are all part of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
With more dog owners expected to head back to the coast for winter walks now the restrictions have ended, the council is reminding people to pick up after their four-legged friends, and to ensure their pets are kept under control.
Failing to pick up after your dog has fouled in a public place is an offence and you could be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice or, if prosecuted, fined up to £1,000.
Since April 2022, Cornwall Council’s dog welfare and enforcement officers have served 21 fixed penalty notices to dog owners. Of those, 14 were issued for dogs on beaches when not permitted, four were issued to people who failed to pick up their dog’s mess, and three were for dogs not being on leads when required.
Dog owners are reminded that it is an offence to allow a dog to chase or attack livestock, or to be at large in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep.
Currently, dogs are not allowed on specific beaches between 10am and 6pm from 1st July to 31st August. On beaches that hold Blue Flag or Seaside Award status, these restrictions are in place for longer, starting on 15th May and ending on 30th September. Three beaches don’t allow dogs at all because they are protected wildlife areas. Some privately owned beaches have their own restrictions in place.
A consultation on how the PSPOs should look from April 2023 has been launched. You can have your say on the Let’s Talk Cornwall website.
