Some dog owners have been 'wreaking havoc, mess and terror' as they ignore the summer beach ban. During the busy season, a number of destinations have prohibited people from taking their furry friends onto the sand between May 1 to September 30.
Weston, Clevedon and lots of locations across the West Country have this rule, but also beaches in Wales. Now frustrated locals have said they have been abused when challenging dog owners who are blatantly ignoring advice.
One man told Wales Online: "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.
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"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."
In one frightening incident, the man was "growled at" when trying to challenge a dog owner. He has now 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. 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.”
Here's a list of where dogs are banned in the West Country:
Weston-super-Mare
In Weston-super-Mare, four-legged friends are prohibited from using the beach between the Grand Pier and Royal Sands from May 1 to September 30. They're also banned from the beach at Marine Lake during the summer months.
Here is a list of all the places dog owners will need to avoid - as well as a few where pooches are welcome year-round.
- Uphill
Uphill Beach is an excellent beach walk. It is dog friendly all year round, borders scenic Uphill Hill Nature Reserve and is close to a lovely friendly dog cafe.
- Sand Bay
Sand Bay beach is dog friendly all year round.
Clevedon
The beach in Clevedon prohibits dogs at all times, unless it is a registered guide dog.
Burnham-on-Sea, Berrow and Brean
In Burnham-on-Sea, dogs are banned year-round on the beach, jetty and Esplanade steps between the jetty and the Pavilion. Between May 1 and September, that ban increases to include the beach and Esplanade steps between the jetty and Yacht Club and the Pavilion and Maddocks Slade.
Meanwhile, dogs are permitted throughout the year on all the beaches north of the sea wall at Maddocks Slade in Burnham all the way to Brean Down, which includes both Berrow beach and Brean beach.
Minehead
The only beach in Minehead with a restriction on dogs is the main Minehead Beach. This lasts from May 1 to September 30.
Portishead
Sugar Loaf Beach is a small pebble beach in Portishead with a tidal pool. It’s great for dogs, especially when the pool has filled up and they can have a little swim. Dogs need to be kept on leads at all times if walking along the Esplanade at Portishead.
St Audries Bay
Dog friendly all year round.
What happens if you're caught violating a ban?
Dog walkers who are caught ignoring the ban can be fined up to £75.
