Some dog owners are blatantly ignoring bylaws banning them from taking their canine companions onto some beaches in Swansea. And it's also claimed that some are abusing anyone who challenges them. Photographs have been taken showing owners ignoring banners which have been placed along part of Swansea Beach instructing that dogs are not to be walked in that section.
From May 1 to September 30, dogs and their owners are only allowed to use specific 'dog friendly' beaches. Dog owners who fail to keep to dog-friendly beaches risk being issued with a fixed penalty notice or a fine.
With the exception of guide dogs for the blind, during this period each year dogs are banned from the following beaches: Swansea Bay (from the River Tawe to the slip opposite Victoria Park, from the beach access at Sketty Lane to the northern edge of the slip at the West Cross Inn), Bracelet Bay, Limeslade Bay, Rotherslade Bay, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay and Port Eynon beach (from the eastern edge of the steps to Port Eynon beach to the eastern edge of Horton beach access). Get Swansea stories straight to your inbox with our newsletter.
READ MORE: All the beaches where dogs aren't allowed off leads in Swansea until September
But a concerned local resident has told WalesOnline that the rules are being largely ignored this year. He said: "Far more dogs are on the restricted area of Swansea Beach this year than previous years. Dangerous dogs unleashed on the beach and the prom wreaking havoc, mess and terror. The council keep saying they take this issue seriously, however local residents never ever see enforcement officers on the prom or beach. We are unable to enjoy our local beach with our young children due to the selfish behaviour of many dog owners."
The resident added that he had been "growled at" when trying to challenge a dog owner, and called upon council enforcement officers to show they were regularly patrolling the beach at peak times in morning and evening, and to reveal the number of people who had been fined.
A Swansea Council spokesman said: “The bylaw that’s in place between the start of May and the end of September is aimed at ensuring everyone can enjoy the wide selection of beaches in Swansea, and there are still plenty of dog-friendly beaches available throughout the summer months.
“Signage is up at all beaches in Swansea – including Swansea Beach – to let people know if dogs are permitted or not, and information is also included on our website at www.swansea.gov.uk/dogsonbeaches. Enforcement patrols are regularly carried out, so we’d urge dog owners to check which beaches are dog friendly so they can avoid being issued with a fixed penalty notice.”
