Pembrokeshire is maintaining a "warn and inform" strategy when addressing dog owners who bring their animals to beaches where restrictions apply, councillors have been told.
Bylaws under examination
Bylaws relating to dog restrictions on Pembrokeshire beaches are set to be examined later this week through a series of questions at full council. Running traditionally from May 1 to September 30, complete prohibitions on dogs exist at Tenby's North Beach and Whitesands in St Davids.
Partial prohibitions are enforced on sections of Lydstep, Newgale, Saundersfoot, Tenby Castle and South Beach, Amroth beach, Poppit Sands, Broad Haven North, and Dale. A voluntary dog restriction is also in place on the beach at Coppet Hall between 10am and 6pm. However, guide dogs are permitted on Pembrokeshire's beaches throughout the year.
Councillor questions enforcement
In a three-part series of submitted questions at the July meeting of Pembrokeshire Council, councillor Rhys Jordan requested information regarding dogs on beaches bylaws. He asked about the publication of operative bylaws, schedules, amendments and deposited plans, and whether maps, signs and webpages accurately reflect legal restrictions.
Jordan also inquired who formally approved the council's 2026 approach, including the "warn and inform" approach, and who is currently authorised to enforce the bylaws following the end of WISE's (Waste Investigations Support & Enforcement) involvement. He further asked whether the cabinet member would agree to suspend enforcement until the bylaws, deposited plans, decision records and enforcement arrangements are verified and published in one accessible location.
Councillor Jordan had previously expressed his view that "blanket bans" on certain beaches across the county were "overly punitive on dog owners".
Council response
In response, Cabinet Member for Residents Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett stated that the authority "remains satisfied the current restrictions continue to operate lawfully and doesn't consider there to be grounds to suspend enforcement relating to these restrictions". He said the council is examining enforcement procedures and broader authorisations as part of continuing work connected to antisocial behaviour and public protection issues, noting the information was accessible on the council's website.
During follow-up questions, Cllr Jordan asked what statutory enforcement would be taken if a member of the public ignores dog beach restrictions. Councillor Sinnett explained the council was maintaining a "warn and inform" approach since the WISE contract ended, stating: "Officers provide advice, guidance and warnings as a primary approach; for known or persistent offenders the authority retains the ability to utilise statutory measures such as community protection warnings or community protection notices."
He added: "While breaches of a bylaw may result in a financial penalty it's important to note this is not automatic and any decision will be proportionate and evidence-based; no Fixed Penalty Notices are being issued this season."
