Walking your dog in these places could result in a fine (Image: Getty)
With the sun starting to shine and some of the UK’s most beautiful country parks and outdoor spaces finally opening up again, it’s the perfect time for a long day walk – but you may want to rethink where you’re taking your furry friend.
As of May 1, many beaches will begin to put dog restrictions into place, not permitting your pooches access to some of their favourite spots.
The seasonal ban is often the space’s attempt at keeping their beaches clean and ready for the tourist-heavy months, but in turn this could result in a major inconvenience to your go-to walking routes. Choosing to ignore the ban could lead to fines, stretching up to £1,000.
Head vet at dog food subscription company Tails.com, Sean McCormack, has explained what these rules mean and how to enjoy the coast with your dog in spite of them.
He said: “During the summer months, beaches become significantly busier, and these rules help manage how the space is shared. They reduce the risk of incidents in crowded areas and help ensure beaches remain clean and comfortable for everyone.
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It may be best to seek out quieter areas (Image: Getty)
At the same time, this is a critical period for wildlife. Many seabirds nest along the coast, and marine animals use beaches to rest and breed. Dogs can unintentionally disturb these habitats, even if they’re well-behaved.
An example he provided when it comes to owners facing penalties was the restrictions in place by councils such as Wyre Borough Council. Their season bans begin from May 1 through to September 30, with fixed penalty issues for anyone breaking the rules.
Although, even with restrictions in place, there are often many beaches with designated areas for dogs, designed to give the appropriate space for fun with your pet while keeping to local rules.
These tend to sit within quieter and more relaxed areas, which in turn offer a more peaceful dog-walking experience for owners.
When it comes to ensuring your dog-walking is less disruptive to the local wildlife, it’s important to keep them under control. Dogs love the beach because it’s full of new smells, sounds and distractions, all very overstimulating for them, but this can have a bigger impact than you may realise.
Plan ahead to avoid any incidents (Image: Getty)
Barking dogs and other disturbances can scare off shorebirds, making them flee their nests and feeding grounds. This can affect their ability to breed and even threaten their survival.
“The same applies to animals like seals during breeding season, where being repeatedly startled can cause stress, disrupt feeding, or even lead to mothers abandoning their young.
McCormak added: “With a bit of planning, beach trips can still be a really enjoyable part of summer for dog owners. Checking restrictions in advance, choosing the right location and preparing properly all help avoid unnecessary stress.
“These rules are there for good reason, but with the right approach, there’s no reason dogs and owners can’t still make the most of the coast.”
If beach walks are going to be a regular activity for you and your pup, maybe consider sourcing those locations that allow for dogs all year round.
It’s worth noting that if you’re travelling this spring or summer, there are a wide variety of beaches that do enable dogs at your free will if you do a little bit of research beforehand.
Fraisthorpe Beach in Bridlington, Durdle Door Beach in West Lulworth and Embo Beach in Sutherland are some of them, just to name a few.
