Dogs unrestricted area

We have evidence since 2016 how dog owners enjoy walking on Weymouth Beach, during unrestricted times the beach is full of dog walkers who live locally, visit for the day or holiday. 

The area by the Pavillion to the sandman was chosen, it provides one permanent structure being the wall, and small signs on poles which give information often missed by visitors. 

The sign at the entrance from Pavilion is position after the steps onto the beach, this leads to confusion and often confrontation between those who prefer an area where close dogs are not permitted.

During unrestricted times, the small signs on poles, have written information the font is too small to read from the foot path often leading to confrontation from those who cannot read the signs. The image used dominates the sign in large font No Dog. Since 2016 original dates remain covered by a sticky label. 

One suggestion discussed each time a consultation is held to move Pavillion area to another location, one suggestion being from, Jubilee Clock to the Pier Bandstand, this would give dog owners the opportunity to use the temporary beach huts for shelter on hot days, increasing foot fall to the area. 

We would also like the council to consider Cornwall compromise, dogs permitted all year from 6pm to 10am. Also consider dates, when the beach is not used, early and late season. 

Increasing the time will encourage dog walkers to stay, to eat out in the early morning and evening many welcome dogs, in all types of business. 

With information on each bin explaining place wrapped dog waste in here, it will solve the confusion by many visitors who still look for red bins. 

With over 11 million dog owners in the UK we know the majority will choose the UK, walking the coastal footpath is popular, ours attracts many for it level access.

 

 

 

Why the contribution is important

Meeting dog owner they explained why they enjoy visiting Weymouth we have so much to offer, between October 1st till May 1st the beach is used mainly by dog walkers, those who arranged meet ups with Golden Retrievers Belington Terriers are two examples. 

Many dog owners belong to Paws on Plastic and while walking collect litter either left on the beach or washed in on the tide.

If not removed it will return to pollute the sea. 

We have dog groups who carry extra bags we enjoy meeting fellow dog owners and explaine how important it is to keep our beach clean and safe for all.  

 

 

by LindaS on July 27, 2024 at 11:14AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 2.2
Based on: 9 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Jiminy August 08, 2024 at 16:58

    Provide adequate bins, signs and poo bags

  • Posted by DrLizzy August 08, 2024 at 19:46

    The ‘idea’ is not clear. Text difficult to understand.

  • Posted by Melaniehellier August 09, 2024 at 07:26

    Digs seem to be allowed everywhere now. I think a restricted area is still a good idea. This could cause problems with those not cleaning up after their dogs, aggressive dogs with children. Keep a restricted area and use road signs with a dog in it

  • Posted by traciejcoles August 09, 2024 at 08:07

    I think the suggestion to move between clock tower and pier bandstand would be a great option. allowing longer hours during some of the summer months is a good idea. This will encourage more dog owners. However I think the 6 weeks of the school holidays shouldn’t be included. The beach is used by young families late into the evening during those weeks . There should be some of the beach a dog free zone. As we have to consider that not everyone wants to be able to be around dogs. There are 11 million dog owners but there are a lot who don’t have dogs. So I think it is important to find the right balance for everyone.

  • Posted by Ripple21 August 09, 2024 at 12:09

    I support restricted dog areas. Dog owners tend to assume everyone else is happy to see their dog, be jumped on by their dog and are generally not tolerant of others, like me and my family, who do not wish to have to constantly encounter out of control dogs. The amount of uncollected dog excrement - everywhere - beaches, pavements, foot paths, recreation areas etc is far more off putting to visitors than the lack of an unrestricted area for dogs.
    Please keep restrictions for dogs on beaches and even consider introducing them elsewhere too.

  • Posted by Dorset37 September 14, 2024 at 21:50

    People are more important than dogs

  • Posted by sherbornewalker September 15, 2024 at 13:10

    Sorry everybody but with safety of human beings in mind, I say NO dogs on any beach 365 days of the year. A large minority of owners do not clean up after their dogs. Many, indeed, can often be seen chatting, with their backs to where the dog is, so they can " pretend " to have not seen the fouling. On a beach surely preventing pee is just as important as cleaning up poo. So I stand by my comment.
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