The Cabinet considered a report of the Interim Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) setting out the results of the public consultation undertaken in respect of dog controls and recommendations in respect of controls to be included in the Dog Controls Public Spaces Protection Order.

Resolved:

1. That the Southend on Sea (Dog Controls) Public Spaces Protection Order contained at Appendix 3 to the submitted report, be adopted.

2. That a decision on the designation of a dog friendly beach area throughout the year, be deferred pending further research on concerns raised in the consultation.

Reasons for decision:

1. To adopt the Dog Controls Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). This will enable continued necessary control of relevant matters relating to dogs and the ability for officers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices where breaches of the Order are witnessed and those responsible are identified.

2. To defer a decision on whether to designate a dog friendly beach area throughout the year. The full  length of beaches in Southend are increasingly becoming  very heavily used throughout the summer months by families and this is set to increase with staycationing and warmer summers. There are concerns about the potential health risks for families, and children in particular and issues surrounding the control of dogs and resources required. There are also a number of alternative locations across the borough that dogs are allowed to be walked and exercised throughout the year.

Other options:

1. Not to adopt the PSPO and have no dog controls in place in the Borough. This would leave the whole Borough without any dog controls in place.

2. Dog Friendly Beach – designate an area of beach in a specific location to trial a dog friendly beach area from 1 May 2021 to 30 September 2021 to monitor, review and make further recommendations. Given the investigative work required this is not a feasible option in the timeframe.

3. Dog Friendly Beach – designate a specific dog friendly beach area that can be used throughout the year. Given the investigative work required this is not a feasible option and further investigation into suggested beaches is also required.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney