Hundreds sign petition against beach dog ban plan
Sep 8 2010 by Brian Daniel, The Journal
HUNDREDS of people have signed petitions opposing a possible dog ban on Northumberland’s beaches amid fears at the impact on tourism and local businesses.
Northumberland County Council has received around 500 signatures on three petitions opposing a potential beach ban, as well as more than 3,000 responses to consultation on its proposed Dog Control Orders.
The council unveiled a set of proposals for new dog control laws, including potential £1,000 fines or £75 fixed penalty notices for anyone flouting new regulations covering failure to clean up after pets, not keeping dogs on leads or breaching dog exclusion areas in children’s play areas and school fields.
In addition to the proposals, the council said it intended to consider listing sections of some of Northumberland’s beaches where dogs would have restricted access between May and October, as well as reviewing a controversial blanket ban at Newbiggin beach.
A consultation on the proposals began in May and ended in July.
The possibility of banning dogs from beaches has been opposed by Northumberland Tourism, local guesthouse owners and dog behaviour expert Jacquie Hall.
Now, a council report has shown that as well as 3,087 responses, the council received comments from several parish and town councils and other interested groups such as the Kennel Club and the Dogs Trust.
