News East Devon District Council implements updated Public Spaces Protection Orders for dog controls

East Devon District Council has announced the implementation of updated Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) pertaining to dog controls across the district’s beaches, playparks and open spaces. As part of the council’s obligation to review these Orders every three years, revisions were made in 2023 following extensive consultation with the public, Town and Parish Councils, and other stakeholders.

While some dog controls remain unchanged, notable adjustments have been introduced, particularly regarding East Devon’s beaches:

• Jacobs Ladder Beach in Sidmouth now permits dogs off-lead year-round, with a mandatory on-lead requirement in designated areas, including in front of the beach huts and along the esplanade adjacent to the beach between Jacobs Ladder to the last access ramp onto the beach at the turning circle.
• A seasonal dog exclusion area in Sidmouth on the beach located between Jacobs Ladder and the access ramp opposite Sidmouth Sailing and Sea Angling Club.
• Beer Beach’s eastern section now allows dogs off-lead throughout the year, with a seasonal dog exclusion area in the western part, extending from Sea Hill to the cliff edge, excluding access to the beach café.
• Seaton’s beach walkway between Castle Hill and Trevelyan Road now enforces a year-round dog on-lead requirement.
• Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton maintain their existing seasonal dog exclusion areas, with on-lead requirements along the esplanades of all beaches.

Across the district, additional changes include:

• A new dog exclusion area covering the All Hallows Rugby pitches and the removal of the dog on-lead requirement at the Glen in Honiton.
• A dog on-lead requirement within the food and drink outlet space and a dog exclusion area at the event space (rear) of Queens Drive in Exmouth.
• Dog on-lead requirements at Kilmington playing fields and a dog exclusion area in the Kilmington playpark.
• A dog on-lead requirement within the car park and boatyard at Axe Yacht Club, Axminster.
• The fixed penalty notice for breaches across the district has increased to £100.

A comprehensive list of dog controls, along with an interactive map, can be accessed on the East Devon District Council’s website.

Councillor Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for Coast, Country and Environment said: “These protection orders are in place to help provide the general public with local enforcement orders regarding the control of dogs in some public locations. Every 3 years we consult with the public to gauge the public views and amend the rules accordingly. A gentle reminder to all dog owners, please remember not everyone loves dogs and please please can you pick up after your dog”

For more information, please visit Public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) - East Devon