Public asked for feedback on set of controls that also aim to encourage responsible dog ownership

A blanket ban on feeding seagulls and tighter controls on dog walkers are among proposals being put forward by East Devon District Council (EDDC).

The authority is inviting residents to have their say on a set of controls that would also incorporate safer access to a ‘dogs allowed’ section of Sidmouth beach and widen the provision for canine companions along Exmouth’s seafront.

EDDC has launched a consultation today on new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) that will incorporate and expand on existing legal orders in a bid to encourage responsible dog ownership and clamp down on nuisance seagulls.

The council is urging people to give their feedback on proposals so they can be taken into consideration before any changes are implemented.

The main changes being proposed are:

- Dogs must be kept on leads on the highway and on footpaths next to the highway to prevent loose dogs posing a hazard to vehicles, cyclists and walkers.

- Minor changes to the seasonal dog exclusions on two beaches include proposals to give families with dogs more space on Exmouth beach – something EDDC says can be done without impacting upon a long dog-free stretch.

- In Sidmouth, an area of the beach that allows dogs is currently hard to access safely and this would be improved under new proposals.

- A ban on feeding seagulls on or near town beaches in a bid to clamp down on the birds causing a nuisance to people and stealing food.

Current controls that are set to remain include:

• Dog ban in some play parks and public gardens.

• Dog owners must pick up their pet’s poo in all public places.

• Dogs ban on some beaches between May 1, and September 30.

• Dogs must be kept on leads in some areas.

• One person can only walk a maximum of six dogs at a time.

EDDC says changes are due to recent improvements to some areas, in response to requests from town and parish councils and observations from the environmental health team on the effectiveness of some existing controls.

Councillor Ian Chubb, EDDC’s portfolio holder for environment, said: “We play an important role in promoting and encouraging responsible dog ownership in East Devon. We do this by providing educational material and talks to schools and groups, attending events and responding to the concerns of residents and visitors.

“We have to change the Dog Control Orders into a PSPO and this is an important opportunity to improve the controls based on what residents, town and parish councils and officers are telling us. We want to know if you agree with what we are proposing, so please get involved.”

Find out about the proposals and give feedback before January 31, 2017 via: www.eastdevon.gov.uk/consultation-and-surveys/public-space-protection-order-consultation.

For a paper copy of the consultation, or other format, e-mail environmentalhealth@eastdevon.gov.uk or call 01395 571456.