Cornwall Council wants to hear views about dogs on Cornish beaches.

Dogs are restricted on some beaches at certain times of the year, but the legislation that controls and restricts dogs from public spaces has been changed by the Government and now Cornwall Council has to decide how to apply the new rules on beaches in Cornwall.

The existing legislation is changing to Public Space Protection Orders which are known as PSPOs. The Council is proposing to incorporate all the existing conditions, times, dates and durations of dogs on beaches restrictions with new PSPOs; meaning dogs would be allowed on designated beaches at the same times as they are allowed now. Guide dogs will not be affected by the changes and are allowed on beaches, even where dog bans are in place.

Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council cabinet member for communities said: ’In introducing the new PSPOs, that restrict dogs from beaches at specific times, we have an opportunity to review the existing restrictions.

’We want to know if people agree with how we propose to introduce the new legislation and also if they think we should change any of the existing conditions on any or all of the beaches.’

If you want to let the Council know what you think, please complete the online survey questionnaire available on the Council’s website: www.cornwall.gov.uk/dogsonbeaches.   

The survey runs until January 12.

More information, including a list of the beaches and current restrictions, and maps of the areas affected, and Frequently Asked Questions about PSPOs, is also available on the website and in local libraries, information services and one stops shops.