New rules now in effect for Dorset dog walkers

A new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) relating to dog walking has now come into force across Dorset.

The Council's new rules became effective yesterday (Monday 1st January 2024) and will last for three years.

The rules mean dogs will be allowed to roam off their leads in certain open spaces and beaches across Dorset, but will need to be on leads in other places.

Dorset Council say the PSPO is needed on specific beaches and open spaces to keep them free from dog fouling and safe to use by all.

They've also said that 'insisting that dogs are on leads in particular areas means that the owner has adequate control over the dog which means that they can see if the dog fouls and doesn’t cause issues with other people or dogs'.

The order caused controversy in Lyme Regis, where councillors argues dogs should need to be on leads, but the Council didn't agree. |newtab)

They did, however, promise to review the policy after the winter.

The PSPO also follows a large-scale public consultation, which attracted over 4,200 responses - 80% of which were from residents and local businesses and 16.5% from tourists.

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