Dog ban on Southsea Beach at Eastney could be lifted

Currently, dogs are prohibited on the beach from Southsea Castle in the west to the Royal Marine Yomper Statue in the east between April 30 and September 30, as well as the Hotwalls section of the beach.

However, following feedback from residents, the council’s cabinet will discuss whether to allow dogs on the entire beach throughout the year, except for “strict time periods during the bathing season.” The council will also consider reducing the size of the dog exclusion zone by aligning the eastern boundary to the Eastney Coffee Cup.

Cabinet members will be asked to approve a public consultation on the matter on Tuesday next week (September 10), as the council’s current dog restriction rules are set to expire next year.

Council leader Councillor Steve Pitt said: “We know people feel very strongly about this issue. About half of all enquiries to our seafront team relate to dogs on Southsea beach. Of those, there is an equal split between dog owners who feel it should be easier to walk their pets on the beach, and those who are strongly in favour of restrictions.

“So, there’s good reason for cabinet members to consider a consultation on this, and if approved next week, we hope as many people as possible will tell us what they think, so that we can make an informed decision.”

The easing of restrictions is intended to allow families to bring their children and dogs to the beach, with easier access to toilets and facilities. If approved, the changes would come into effect next year, following a full public consultation.

Wardens, who have the authority to issue on-the-spot fines, will continue to enforce dog restrictions and address fouling on the beach.