News

Have Your Say On Dog Free Zone Plan

People are being asked to have their say on plans for a dog free zone on a section of Poole's popular Sandbanks beach.

The proposal would see the introduction of an all-year round dog ban on a small section of the Blue Flag beach. It follows an increasing number of complaints about dog fouling and dogs causing a nuisance to beach visitors.

Existing byelaws prevent dogs from using Poole's three and a half miles of beach between 1 May and 30 September, with the exception of areas east of Branksome Chine and west of Sandbanks.

The proposal by Borough of Poole would create a dog free zone along a 321-metre stretch of Sandbanks - less than six per cent of the beach front. Dog walkers will still be able to walk their dogs along the promenade in the proposed dog free zone. Read more about the proposed change to the byelaw.

Consultation on the proposal will run from 31 July to 28 August and members of the public are invited to comment.

Any person wishing to make a representation about the proposal should contact Nick Hill, Principal Officer, Environmental and Consumer Protection Services, Unit 1/2 New Fields Business Park, Stinsford Road, Poole, BH17 0NF or via email n.hill@poole.gov.uk

Cllr Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Borough of Poole said: "We are fortunate to have such beautiful beaches in Poole. Naturally, our beaches are very popular and increasingly people are choosing to visit them all year round, especially visitors enjoying early or late season breaks.

"The majority of dog owners respect the existing byelaws and use the beach responsibly. However, unfortunately there is a significant minority of dog owners who choose to ignore the health and safety of others using the beach.

"Many families with young children enjoy the beach, but we are receiving an increasing number of complaints about dogs causing a nuisance, running around out of control and fouling. We hope the proposal to create a dog free zone on a very small area of Sandbanks beach will help to address the issue."

The proposed changes would not apply to registered blind people with guide dogs.