New rules affecting dogs on beaches in Dorset

A dog related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) across the Dorset Council area have come into force

The rules exclude dogs from Weymouth’s central and Greenhill beaches for 5 months of the year, as well as other beaches across the county.

For the first few weeks, the council will focus on advice and guidance to dog-owners explaining the new rules.

All beaches under the restrictions will be under the restrictions during the same period of the year – 1st May to 30th September.

During that period, dogs will be banned from the following beaches:

• Swanage, Central Beach

• Charmouth, East Beach

• Lyme Regis, Front/ Town Beach

• Chideock, Seatown Beach

• West Bay, East Beach and West Beach

• Weymouth, Central and Greenhill beaches

Dogs are also required to be kept on 2m leads in the following areas:

• Rodwell Trail

• West Bay Harbourside and Esplanade

• Swanage Parade and adjacent roads leading to the beach

• Studland South Beach

• Ferry Road, from Studland Beach Car Park to the South Coast End Marker

• Shell Beach National Trust Car Park and all access routes to shell beach

• Charmouth Lower Sea Lane and surrounding areas leading to the beach

Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services said:

“The order has been made to protect the health of Dorset residents and visitors and is particularly aimed at areas that children and families use.

“It focuses on times and places that attract families, but leaves a variety of open spaces, countryside and beaches where there aren’t any restrictions.

“It is a compromise, and as such, won’t be everyone’s ideal situation but it provides a balance for dog owners and non-owners.”

You can find out more about what rules will be in effect and where from the Council's report.