Dog Control Order Designates Summer Exclusion Zones
A year and a half after a public consultation over dog controls in Hastings and 12 months since councillors approved a changed regime, an updated dog control public space protection order (PSPO) has finally been brought into force by Hastings Borough Council (HBC). It covers beaches, parks and green spaces across the borough.
- The following rules apply at all times of the year:
- dogs must be on a lead along the whole promenade;
- no more than six dogs can be taken out by one person at any time;
- all dog fouling across the borough must be picked up and put in a bin.
In summer (starting on Monday 1 April and running until 30 September) there will two areas of beach from which dogs are excluded altogether –
- from the east of Rock-a-Nore to the east side of Hastings pier;
- from the west end of Bottle Alley to opposite the Royal Victoria Hotel
- In the narrow zone between these two areas, dogs will be permitted on- or off-lead; they will also be allowed west of the Royal Victoria up to the borough boundary. In winter (1 October to 31 March) there will be no beach restrictions.
Regulations also apply to some parks and gardens, generally without differentiation between summer and winter. Dogs are not allowed in any of the water in Alexandra Park or St Leonards Gardens. They are also not allowed in children’s play areas, multi-use games areas, skate parks, tennis courts or bowling greens.
Anyone in breach of the new restrictions can be given an on-the-spot fine of up to £100 or prosecuted in court with a potential fine of up to £1,000.
Glenn Haffenden, HBC’s lead councillor for community safety, said that the restrictions “will help keep residents and visitors safe”. He did not explain, however, how they would be enforced.
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