DOGS must be kept on leads on some beaches and open areas in the Dorset Council area, senior councillors have decided. 

A dog-related public spaces protection order (PSPO) across parts of the county has been confirmed. 

The council insists that keeping dogs on leads in particular areas means that the owner has adequate control over their pet, reducing the likelihood of fouling on the floor. 

The council say dogs must be kept on a lead in cemeteries, churchyards or graveyards, council-owned allotments, formal public gardens, within five metres of marked sports pitches, council-owned car parks, on roads and walkways close to certain beaches and certain beaches during spring and summer.

There is now a period of six weeks where the order can be challenged on the grounds that the council does not have the power to make the order or include specific requirements within the order. 

If there isn’t a challenge the order will come into effect on January 1, 2024. 

Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for customer and community services, said: “This has been an extensive consultation with a good cross-section of people. 

“I am very pleased that we have been able to implement the order according to the thoughts of most respondents. 

“As the winter requirement to keep dogs on leads at Front Town Beach, Lyme Regis has now been removed, we will undertake a spring review of that aspect of the order.” 

Unless amended at any stage, the order will remain in place for three years.