New UK beach rules for dog owners this week and you could face a huge fine

New beach regulations are being rolled out across hundreds of this week. Seasonal on numerous UK beaches kick in from May to September, and local rules could lead to hefty penalties.

Chris Maxted, director of retractable dog gate supplier Dog-G8, has sounded the alarm for pet owners about the regions where are still allowed on beaches and how to check local rules to dodge fines of up to £1,000. "Seasonal dog bans on UK beaches are a practical measure to safeguard water quality and uphold the Blue Flag status that many coastal areas cherish," Mr Maxted said.

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"Dog poo and pee can significantly affect water quality, rendering it unfit for swimming. Public Spaces Protection Orders allow councils to enforce beach bans during peak seasons to reduce contamination from dog fouling.

"These rules aim to create a safer and cleaner environment for everyone, while making sure coastal waters remain suitable for bathing."

"It's important for dog owners to check before visiting beaches, as the rules can vary significantly," Mr Maxted said.

"Many beaches allow dogs from October 1 to April 30 but enforce restrictions from May to September under Public Space Protection Orders.

"Some areas will implement complete bans, while others impose partial bans, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads or limiting them to promenades.

"Ignoring these rules can result in a £100 on-the-spot fine or, if escalated to court, a fine of up to £1,000."

"Across England, many counties offer a variety of dog-friendly beaches all year round, with Devon leading the way with 79 locations," Mr Maxted added.

"This gives dog owners plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast with their pets without the worry of seasonal restrictions."