The Isle of Wight Council has decided to reinstate a series of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) which regulate dog control measures across the Island.
The orders — which govern where dogs can be walked, where they must be kept on a lead and what action must be taken to clean up after them — were approved by Cabinet members last Thursday.
The decision was made following a full consultation which gathered feedback from nearly 1,100 online survey responses and 18 written submissions.
It was back in July that Island Echo exclusively revealed that the Council had no legal power to stop people walking their dogs on the beach this Summer.
Councillor Debbie Andre suggested that when the PSPOs are due for renewal in 3 years’ time, the consultation responses should be reviewed on an individual ward basis. This will allow for a more detailed assessment of residents’ views and the potential inclusion of specific time periods for dog exclusions. This amendment was supported by councillors.
Additionally, an amendment was approved to reduce the western boundary of the Sandown Beach exclusion zone to correct a current anomaly.
Council leader, Councillor Phil Jordan, said:
“PSPOs are vital pieces of legislation that help us maintain the quality of life in our community, and for our community, by addressing issues such as dog fouling, dogs on beaches, and dogs in public spaces.
Article continues below this advertisement “These orders ensure our public areas remain clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Our goal is to balance the needs of dog owners with the broader community’s right to clean and safe public spaces.
“Be agreeing a more precise geography for feedback in the next round of consultations we believe we have managed to find the right balance that gives us the best outcomes for the majority of all residents and visitors.”
Who will Police it!, will never happen, from what I
see on a daily basis, many animal owners need keeping
on a lead.
A small sign, stuck down near the ground before you get on the beach, is pointless. Visitors don’t see them, and dog-owning Islanders simply ignore them.
If you politely point out that dogs aren’t allowed on the beach during the summer months, you’re liable to get a mouthful of abuse, or worse.
Making rules is pointless if no-one enforces them. As with cyclists, dog-owners seem to be a law unto themselves.
whilst i agree with your post why bring cyclists into it, a bit petty i think.
It’s not the dog owners, its the adults with unruly children that should be house trained and kept on a lead, especially when they cannot even be bothered to pickup their own litter.
It is utterly pointless to enact a law you cannot enforce, we have dog owners who blatantly use Ryde beach as their personal dog toilet and fully aware they are breaking the law they are out from 6am every day, also owners who use long extension leads in public areas and have no control of their animal whilst causing a trip hazard.