Dog owners asked about beach restrictions for pets

Delilah the greyhound-cross loves a run on a beach, like here at Carlyon Bay

Dog owners in Cornwall are being invited to have their say on restrictions put in place for dogs during the summer months.

Cornwall Council is about to update its Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the next three years.

It currently bans dogs from 46 beaches, usually after 10:00 BST and before 18:00 from 1 July to 31 August, although Blue Flag beaches have restrictions in place from 15 May until the end of September.

Cornwall Councillor Thalia Marrington, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety and public protection, said the consultation, open until 7 December, was "all about getting the right balance and making sure that everyone can enjoy our beautiful beaches".

Ben Orford and his sausage dog crossed with a Jack Russell called Scrappy

Ben Orford and his dog Scrappy, who regularly go to Readymoney Cove in Fowey, said: "I think dogs should be allowed to go on the beaches. It's really up to the dog owners.

"If they know their dog well and they pick up after them, I don't see an issue with it."

However, Sue West, who has a Jack Russell-cross, said she thought the dog restrictions were a good idea.

She said: "In the summer, the beach is for families and children. You don't want dogs rushing round barking and being a nuisance.

"We have a dog, we love dogs, but we wouldn't take it to a beach in the summer."

Sue West, here with her Jack Russell-cross Lily, said "the beach is for families" in the summer

Susan Edwards, who has two boisterous golden retrievers, said: "As long as there are beaches that the dog can go on, that's not too bad.

"This one [Readymoney Cove] is quite small, so I can understand it not being available in the summer, although it would be lovely if it was.

"But the way they've done it - so you can go last thing and first thing - is helpful."

Cornwall Council said it was proposing to keep the current restrictions in place for the next PSPO.

Marrington said: "This consultation is an opportunity for people to have their say and tell us if the current rules are working for them.

"The feedback will help us shape the next Public Space Protection Order for 2026-2028."