Dogs won’t be banned from Seaham beaches during the summer months, Durham County Council has decided.
The local authority was asked by Seaham Town Council to consider introducing a seasonal ban for dogs on beaches.
The request came after ongoing issues of dog fouling on beaches in the area, with summer bans on The Slope beach and Seaham Hall beach discussed by the town council.
But angry dog walkers launched an online petition against the proposals, with business owners also expressing concerns it could have a negative impact on their trade.
The local authority has now said: “After careful consideration, the county council has chosen not to pursue this at the current time.”
It comes as the council asks members of the public to share their views on whether controls to tackle dog fouling and irresponsible dog ownership should be extended in the county.
The local authority is asking people if they support an extension of the existing public space protection order (PSPO) to prevent dog-related antisocial behaviour.
The PSPO made it an offence to allow a dog to foul without picking it up or to allow a dog to stray.
The order, which applies to all public spaces and play areas across the county, also enables authorised staff to request that dogs are put on a lead when necessary.
Since the order was introduced, the council says it has seen a 32% reduction in stray dog reports, 45% reduction on dog fouling service requests and 18% reduction in dog fouling warden investigations.
Ian Hoult, the council’s Neighbourhood Protection Manager, said: “Despite the improvements we have made, we continue to receive service requests about dog fouling and members of the public tell us that dog-related anti-social behaviour remains a key area of concern for our communities.
“Extending the current PSPO for a further three years would enable us to continue to make improvements, working in partnership with parish and town councils and communities across the county.”
Residents have until 10pm on Friday 24 April 2020 to have their say, with the proposed changes due to come into effect from June.
Feedback on the proposed extension can be submitted online at www.durham.gov.uk/consultation
