Councillors in Pembrokeshire are preparing to consider a proposal to update seasonal dog restrictions on the county's beaches, which could see some complete bans replaced with time-based limitations.
A notice of motion at Pembrokeshire council's October meeting will propose modernising the beach dog restrictions. Between May 1 and September 30, dogs are entirely prohibited from Tenby's North Beach and Whitesands in St Davids.
Current restrictions and enforcement
Partial restrictions are in place across sections of Lydstep, Newgale, Saundersfoot, Tenby Castle and South Beach, Amroth beach, Poppit Sands, Broad Haven North, and Dale. Additionally, a voluntary dog restriction operates on Coppet Hall beach between 10am and 6pm.
In recent years, Pembrokeshire has implemented a "warn and inform" strategy, with councillors previously informed: "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."
Motion seeks modernisation
Councillor Rhys Jordan, representing St Florence and St Mary Out Liberty, has submitted a motion requesting the council acknowledge that seasonal dog restrictions apply across several Pembrokeshire beaches, including complete bans at certain locations from May 1 to September 30.
The motion states: "Council believes that the current arrangements should be modernised to provide a clearer and more proportionate balance between responsible dog ownership, public enjoyment of our beaches and effective enforcement."
Cllr Jordan has previously expressed his view that "blanket bans" on certain beaches across the county were "overly punitive on dog owners". He is now urging Pembrokeshire's cabinet to implement four amendments to the existing system.
Proposed changes and next steps
His initial proposal requests the cabinet to "bring forward proposals to replace total seasonal dog bans with time-limited restrictions between May 1 and September 30, restricting dogs from designated areas between 9am and 6pm, with access permitted outside those hours".
He further requests the cabinet to "consider replacing reliance on existing byelaws with an appropriate modern legal mechanism for managing and enforcing dog restrictions on beaches".
Regarding enforcement, he calls on the cabinet to "introduce a clear and proactive enforcement protocol, supported by appropriate signage and public information, where breaches are subject to proportionate enforcement action, including the appropriate use of fixed penalty notices rather than reliance upon a general 'warn and inform' approach".
The motion stipulates that the amendments should come into effect from May 1 next year. Cllr Jordan's motion is scheduled to be heard at Pembrokeshire council's October 15 meeting.
