Public opinion wanted for review of coastal dog walking restrictions

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North Yorkshire Council has launched a public consultation regarding the existing regulations on dog walking on the Yorkshire coast.

The council has encouraged the public to share their views and concerns about the current rules in place about dog walking in the Scarborough, Filey and Whitby areas.

The existing rules prohibit dog fouling and restrict owners to always having their dogs on leads, with some dog exclusion areas also established.

Penalty fares apply for those who are deemed to have offended. Many areas of Scarborough, Filey and Whitby fine £100 for those who fail to comply with these restrictions.

The council has stated that these restrictions were put in place “to ensure everybody can enjoy a safe and clean environment.” They also expressed their desire to help to protect the local wildlife.

A previous consultation in 2023 has encouraged the council to identify some areas of the restrictions which need to be reviewed.

For example, the dog restrictions from Olivers Mount playing fields, Tate Hill Beach, Valley Road Gardens and Linden Close are under consideration to be removed. Dog fouling restrictions would remain in place.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing our environment, Cllr Greg White, said:

The consultation is open until March 17, after which the reviewed Public Space Protection Order will be adopted in May.

If you would like to voice your views on the issue, the consultation is available here.