Cornwall Council Seeks Public Opinion on Dog Beach Access Amidst Heated Debate

Cornwall Council is inviting residents and visitors to share their views on current restrictions for dogs on the county’s beaches. The existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) limits canine access to 46 beaches during peak summer hours, a policy the council proposes to extend for another three years. This move has sparked considerable discussion, with opinions divided on whether dogs should have unrestricted access or if current limitations are appropriate.

Key Takeaways

• Cornwall Council is consulting on its Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) regarding dogs on beaches.
• Current rules restrict dogs from 46 beaches between 10 am and 6 pm from July 1 to August 31.
• Beaches with Blue Flag or Seaside Award status have longer restrictions (May 15 to September 30).
• Three wildlife areas around the Hayle estuary have a permanent dog ban.
• The council proposes to maintain the current restrictions for 2026-2028 and is seeking public feedback.
• Enforcement officers patrol beaches, with non-compliance potentially leading to a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice.

The Current Restrictions

The existing PSPO dictates that dogs are prohibited from most of Cornwall’s beaches between 10 am and 6 pm during the summer months of July and August. However, beaches that have achieved Blue Flag or Seaside Award status face extended restrictions, with dogs banned from May 15 to September 30.

Furthermore, three specific wildlife areas near the Hayle estuary are entirely off-limits to dogs year-round. These regulations aim to strike a balance, allowing dog owners to enjoy the beaches during early mornings and evenings while providing dog-free periods for those who prefer them.

Public Consultation and Enforcement

Councillor Thalia Marrington, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for community safety and public protection, emphasized the council’s goal of finding the “right balance” to ensure everyone can enjoy Cornwall’s coastline.

The current consultation, accessible via the Let’s Talk Cornwall website, is an opportunity for the public to voice whether the existing rules are effective.

The feedback gathered will be instrumental in shaping the next PSPO, set to cover the period from 2026 to 2028. During the summer, Cornwall Council’s enforcement officers, alongside town and parish council officers, monitor beaches to ensure compliance. Failure to adhere to the restrictions can result in a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice.

Diverse Public Opinions

The debate over dogs on beaches has generated a wide range of views from CornwallLive readers. Some, like Cornwall Amigo, advocate for unrestricted dog access, suggesting stricter penalties for owners who fail to clean up after their pets. Baggyboatee echoes this sentiment, viewing dogs as beloved family members who should be allowed on beaches, with individual incidents of misbehaviour addressed rather than imposing blanket bans.

Conversely, Colinfromcornwall argues for stricter limitations, citing health concerns, unsightliness, and the potential for dogs to deter tourists. Solway DG, recalling a childhood dog attack, supports the need for dog-free spaces, acknowledging that while some dogs are well-behaved, many are not.

Murmur and Moodyb express strong opposition, calling for a complete ban on dogs from all beaches due to hygiene and safety concerns. In contrast, Paul616 and Michael Hoskins suggest that issues like litter and rubbish left by humans are more significant problems than dogs, with Hoskins pointing to a local example where human litter far outweighed dog waste collected by volunteers.

Key Takeaways

• Council seeks views on dogs on beaches as some say ‘dogs deserve to be there’, Cornwall Live.