Rhos on Sea dog ban scaled back to seasonal restriction

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 22:32 · Archive

Plans for a year-round dog ban on a Welsh beach have been scaled back to May to September following public opposition.

Conwy County Council's Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee has voted to back a Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order on Cayley Promenade beach in Rhos on Sea, but with the seasonal window running from 1 May to 30 September rather than year-round. The change followed a public consultation that drew thousands of responses, with about 65% opposed to a year-round ban and 34% in support. In August, hundreds of dog owners demonstrated on the beach against the original proposal.

The consultation feedback included representations from the RSPCA and the Royal Kennel Club, which pushed the council to reconsider. Aaron Haggas, speaking against the order at the meeting, said the ban would affect many dog owners and could damage economic growth and tourism. He described it as a "hard-hitting" solution based on "prejudice and opinion". Supporters of the restrictions have complained about issues with dog fouling, and the public consultation showed strong support for extending general dog fouling controls and requiring owners to carry waste bags.

The council also voted to designate specific areas as off-lead dog exercise areas at The Oval and Maesdu Road Recreation Ground in Llandudno, removing them from "dogs on leads" restrictions. At Betws-yn-Rhos Sports and Recreation Ground, restrictions have been upgraded to a year-round full dog exclusion zone to protect recreational facilities. Final approval must be made by the cabinet.

How it is being reported

• Plans for year-round dog ban on beach to be scaled backIn August, hundreds of dog owners took their pets to Rhos-on-Sea to the beach to protest the proposed ban.BBC North West Wales · 16 Oct, 22:13
• Dog ban on Rhos on Sea beach 'based on prejudice and opinion'Initial plans for a year-round ban on dogs at the beach have been scaled back following a major public backlashNorth Wales Live · 16 Oct, 14:41

In this story: Conwy County Council · Rhos on Sea · Cayley Promenade · RSPCA · Royal Kennel Club · Aaron Haggas · Llandudno · Betws-yn-Rhos

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