Tougher regulations on dog control set to come into force in Weymouth and Portland

The shake-up – which includes new restrictions affecting the Rodwell Trail, a ban on long leads, an increase in fines, and extensions to orders at the beach, the Nothe and other public parks – follows a consultation last year which led to residents demanding action on dog control and better enforcement.

However a pet shop owner believes there should be more focus on education rather than tougher restrictions.

There are also concerns how the restrictions can be enforced.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's Management Committee agreed the adoption of a Public Space Protection Order for dog control to replace existing orders as part of powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act. It will have to be agreed by full council on Thursday.

The order states a maximum lead length of two metres, to support better dog control and reduce fouling incidents. The fine for dog fouling will be increased from £75 to £100 to be paid within 28 days and reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days.

For Weymouth Beach, the dog ban will be extended from Good Friday to October 31 – it is currently May 1 to September 30. The period dogs should be on leads at the Nothe will also be extended from Good Friday to October 31.

On the Rodwell Trial, dogs will now have to be on leads all year round.

Although 51 per cent of people in a survey did not support this, it is the view of the dog warden service that the long, narrow shape of the trail with dogs off leads has led to attacks, uncontrolled fouling and issues with dogs getting in the way of cyclists.

However Cllr Ian Roebuck argued that dogs on leads along the Rodwell Trail could be a danger to cyclists and walkers.

Changes are also proposed for Pottery Lane where dogs will be required to be on leads, the Ludlow and Lichfield Road recreation area, Victoria Gardens on Portland, the footpath to the eastern side of the Marsh, from Greenhill Groyne to Bowleaze and the Lodmoor children’s play and exercise area.

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Cllr Christine James, said: "If I had my own way I wouldn't have any dogs on the beach. I would just ban them full stop. It's not hygienic with small children around playing in the sand and sea."

Cllr Andy Blackwood said: "It won't make any difference until we actually have the resources to police it."

AFTER the meeting, Cormac Linehan from Weymouth pet education and training centre The Pet Experience argued the council should be "proactively pushing for dog owner education" instead on imposing restrictions.

He said: "The beach and the Rodwell Trail are the few places dogs can be let off the lead in Weymouth and given a run. A lot of people don't own cars so going to further areas could be difficult. The Rodwell Trail is quite long and narrow and dogs can sometimes be just a little over excitable which can cause problems.

"It is a multi-use path so I can understand the council's perspective but this is one of the few safe places for dogs away from the roads.

"If dogs are constantly kept on leads that will cause problems too. There will be a lot of people with dogs with unspent energy which will make the dogs more stressed. The council can't stop dogs being off leads everywhere.

"It it up to the owner to train their dog and to keep it trained and under control."