Plans have been put forward to ask residents if changes are needed to the current dog restrictions on Southsea and Eastney beach.
Currently, there’s a 24-hour seasonal exclusion zone between Southsea Castle and the Royal Marine Yomper statue, and at the Hotwalls section of the beach, which means dogs are not allowed on these parts of the beach between 30 April to 30 September.
Following feedback from residents, the changes being considered from next year are whether to allow dogs on the entire beach all year round, but at strict time periods during the bathing season and whether the Council should reduce the dog exclusion zone at Eastney, by aligning the eastern boundary to the Coffee Cup.
The reason this second change is being considered is to allow families bringing their children and dogs to the beach to be nearer toilets and facilities. It would also give residents easier access to a dog-walking area and provide a visible boundary of where the restricted zone starts.
Dog restrictions are covered by Public Spaces Protection Orders which the council must apply for. The current orders run out next year, and with dog ownership increasing sharply since Covid-19, the city council is considering asking people if the seafront rules need updating.
Cabinet members are due to be asked to approve a public consultation later this year on the proposals, at a meeting on 10 September.
Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:
“We know people feel very strongly about this issue. About half of all enquiries to our seafront team relate to dogs on Southsea beach. Of those, there is an equal split between dog owners who feel it should be easier to walk their pets on the beach, and those who are strongly in favour of restrictions.
“So, there’s good reason for Cabinet members to consider a consultation on this, and if approved next week, we hope as many people as possible will tell us what they think, so that we can make an informed decision.”
The potential changes would come in from next year and would only be made following a further full consultation.
The enforcement of dog restrictions and fouling on the beach would continue to be made by wardens, who have the power to issue on-the-spot fines.