Thanet District Council proposes new dog control measures

Thanet District Council has launched a public consultation regarding proposed updates to the district’s dog control rules through a new Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

The proposal aims to replace the existing PSPO to ensure beaches, parks, and open spaces remain clean and safe. Key measures include a year-round ban on dogs on the beach and a requirement for dogs to be kept on leads on the Northern sea wall between Cold Harbour and Plum Pudding. These specific restrictions are intended to mitigate the disturbance of birds in the area, based on evidence from Bird Wise East Kent.

Other proposed measures include maintaining strict rules for cleaning up after pets, keeping dogs on leads in sensitive wildlife habitats like Pegwell Bay, and continuing seasonal dog exclusion zones on selected beaches from May 1 to September 30 to protect Blue Flag award status. The council also proposes a rule requiring owners to leash dogs if requested by an authorized officer.