Since the annual dog restrictions on beaches byelaws came into place on May 1 this year, a total of 198 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued across the county, by enforcement officers contracted by Pembrokeshire Council.

Pembrokeshire County Council are reminding dog owners of the beach bans in place over the summer, which run for a full five months of the year, between May 1 and September 30.

There have been reports of many people seen to be breaching the rules being handed £75 Fixed Penalty Notices, by WISE enforcement wardens employed by PCC to tackle a range of environmental crimes, which now includes patrolling beaches for such breaches.

“As the summer holidays start our beaches will be even busier but remember some restrictions on dogs are in place,” said a spokesperson for PCC.

“While many Pembrokeshire beaches welcome dogs all year around, there are some restrictions in place between 1st May and September 30th.”

Between these dates total dog bans are in place at Tenby North beach and Whitesands.

Partial dog bans cover Lydstep, Newgale beach and pebble bank, Coppet Hall (voluntary), Saundersfoot beach and promenade, Tenby Castle and South Beach, Amroth beach and promenade, Poppit Sands, Broad Haven North and Dale.

You can see and download maps of the beaches and the restrictions in place on the Visit Pembrokeshire website.

These restrictions do not apply to Guide Dogs.

The dog bans are subject to enforcement with a maximum penalty of £500 for breaches of the bylaws.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, the Cabinet Member for Residents Services, said: “Summer in Pembrokeshire is great for all the family, including our furry friends. There are some of our many beaches where dogs are not permitted and we are reminding visitors and residents alike to stick to the restrictions in place.”

One visitor caught out this month, wrote to the Observer to voice their disgruntlement at what they described as a ‘brutal beach’ ban.

“Dog friendly Pembrokeshire?? Unfortunately, we were fined £75 for straying into an area that prohibits dogs,” they stated.

“As a result of the brutal beach restrictions, Tenby town is now constantly saturated with dog owners/walkers with hardly anywhere to walk their pets!

“However, many pubs etc will allow dogs into their premises and will take your money as they are aware of the value of the tourist’s money.

“I will of course pay my fine given to me by a smug enforcement officer but after holidaying in Tenby for over 55 years myself and my family will never return again.

“If you own a dog holidaying in Tenby from May to the end of September, it is a complete waste of time, effort and money.”

At this month’s meeting of Tenby Town Council, Cllr Laura Crockford raised the matter, and referred to two different signs regarding dog ban boundaries on South Beach and that fines were seemingly being issued within areas where people believed they could take their dogs.

“The signage appears to have moved the start of the separate zones from the original byelaw,” she commented, stating that she believed PCC had spoken to their enforcers, but because the restrictions in place are zonal, this created difficulties.

“People don’t want to break the law and need clarity,” added Cllr Crockford.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Charles Dale agreed, stating: “It is impossible to see the demarcation for dogs.

“Why do we not have flags, six maybe following the line down the beach. It would be much simpler,” he added, proposing that a meeting is set up with PCC officers to clarify the situation.