DOG owners are calling for a change in the restrictions which see their pets banned from the majority of beaches from now until the end of September.

Annual rules, which came into force today, mean dogs are not allowed on any of Poole’s Blue Flag beaches including Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs, and Branksome Chine.

In Bournemouth, dogs must now be kept on a lead on the beach except from in a few designated areas. And in Christchurch, dogs are not allowed between Avon Beach and Friars Cliff beach, or on a section of Highcliffe beach.

Ruth Oliver, who usually walks her golden retriever Murphy at Branksome Chine, thinks the restrictions should align with rules about cycling on the promenade, which is only banned between 10am and 6pm in July and August.

She said: “I think it’s a real shame they do a complete ban between May and September. It’s absolutely crazy because most families don’t get down to the beach until after 10am. They should just ban dogs in the summer holidays and start it later in the day.”

She added: “I understand families with picnics don’t want to be disturbed by dogs sniffing around, but people with dogs have a right to walk on the beach. And most people are very conscientious about picking up poo.”

“While I completely understand a ban in July and August, I think with children not breaking up from school until mid-July, it’s silly not to let people with dogs on the beach before then.”

Ali Ham said: “I think May 1 is a little early as it’s not the height of summer. And lifting the ban at the end of September when schools go back earlier in the month is also restrictive.

“It is a pain when you have to think where you’re allowed or not allowed to go.”

Helen Powell said she did not agree with a “blanket ban” and would like to see restrictions against dogs limited to between 10am and 5pm.

Chris Saunders, head of operations for Bournemouth and Poole Tourism, said there were currently “no plans to review these byelaws”.

“We would like to remind beach users that in line with national bathing water guidance the dog restrictions on Bournemouth and Poole’s beaches starts [today] and runs through until the end of September.

“These restrictions, which limit dogs to the promenade while on a lead, will apply to approximately half of the 11 miles of beautiful, sandy beaches, with the rest of our beaches being dog friendly year round.”

Sean Whitney, public health and protection manager at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, said: “The Dog Exclusion Order and The Dogs on Leads Order were set by Christchurch Borough Council in 2013. 

“Both orders were put in place because it is recognised that those wishing to exercise their dogs need places to do so but there are those who want to go to beaches where there are no dogs. The orders we currently have in place provide those dog free beaches whilst also offering beaches where dogs can be exercised without restriction.

“The current Dog Control Orders transferred automatically on the 20 October 2017 to Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) by virtue of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. PSPOs have to be reviewed every three years and this will require a public consultation exercise to determine whether controls are considered necessary and, if so, what the public’s view on the nature and extent of those controls should be. This will therefore be an opportunity for the controls currently in place to be reviewed and amended, if required.”

When do the restrictions apply?

Between May 1 and September 30.

Where am I allowed to walk my dog during the restricted period?

- In Poole, dogs are still allowed on the beach between the Branksome Chine beach office and the Poole/Bournemouth boundary.

They are also allowed on the western end of Sandbanks beach to Haven Point by the chain ferry, and on Hamworthy beach.

Dogs are not allowed on any of Poole's Blue Flag beaches i.e. Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs, Branksome Chine

- In Bournemouth, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times on the beach. You can only let them loose in the following areas:

  • Border with Poole to Groyne 3 (Alum Chine beach office)
  • Groynes 5 to 7 (Middle Chine to Durley Chine)
  • Groynes 32 to 41 (Fisherman’s Walk to Southbourne)
  • Groyne 45 to Hengistbury Head

    - In Christchurch, dogs are not permitted on the beach between Avon Beach and Friars Cliff Beach, or on Highcliffe Beach between groynes H4 and H8.
    Dogs must be on a lead when on the promenade, the cliff steps and cliff pathways between Avon Beach and Friars Cliff Beach.