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Update May 2026 – New Dogs on Beaches PSPO (Public Space Protection Order) is out for you to complete. There is a “hidden” question on Page 4 of the New Consultation which is, “There should be a set period, but with different dates or times” this is where you can ask for dog off lead access before 10am and after 6pm May to September instead of the current 5 month dog ban.
Sadly as the current PSPO stands there has been no provision made under the Equality Act for those with mobility issues for the period 1 May to 30 Sept, when dogs are banned from the Town Beach, which removes accessibility for every dog owner with mobility issues.
Highlighting the unfair and pointless dogs on lead restrictions applied to law abiding, paw print leaving and litter picking dog owners, especially for those with mobility issues or disabilities unable to use the alternative beaches deemed unsuitable by Dorset Council. We are asking for a compromise for dog off lead access before 10am and after 6pm May to September on the Lyme Regis Town Sandy Beach in Dorset.
An inclusive compromise of dog off lead exercise on the safe and accessible Lyme Regis Front Sandy Beach, before 10am and after 6pm May to September, which is non tidal and suitable for both dogs and owners with or without mobility issues/disabilities and families with buggies, young children and a dog, would encourage dog owners to visit the many dog friendly businesses in Lyme Regis and in return support the local economy through increased footfall.
The current restriction period spans five months, yet the beach is often quiet outside peak holiday periods. For much of May, June and September, children are in educational settings, many people are at work, and the beach frequently remains underused during the very times we are seeking access. Our campaign is not seeking access during the busiest parts of the day, but rather a sensible and inclusive compromise during the cooler morning and evening periods when the beach is often empty or lightly used.
The new order, brought in on 1 January 2024, is forcing dog owners onto neighbouring unsuitable beaches which are tidal (underwater for a large proportion of the day), accessed by steep steps, have huge rocks and stones plus warnings of deep shelves, mudslides, debris from a Victorian tip and cliff falls, in order to seek off lead exercise for their dogs. This places dog owners, their families and their dogs at unnecessary risk because they are unable to use the safe and accessible Front Beach for off lead exercise during the winter months and before 10am and after 6pm from May to September.
This campaign is about finding compromise and promoting responsible dog ownership. We do not ban everyone from shops because of occasional theft, nor do we ban all road users because of individual traffic offences, so why should all dog owners be penalised for the actions of a minority?
If the actions of a minority are the concern, then the answer is better enforcement of existing laws, not further restrictions on responsible dog owners. Dorset Council should enforce Public Space Protection Orders effectively and take action against those who fail to comply, rather than restricting access for everyone.
At the same time, Dorset Council should stand by its commitment to being dog friendly and ensure that residents and visitors who own dogs, including those with mobility issues, are not unfairly disadvantaged.