Pooches will be banned from having a beachside view of the start of two of Tenby’s flagship sporting events - as Pembrokeshire County Council confirms that dog restrictions will not be lifted this year for swim events taking place on North Beach.

Between May 1 and September 30, there are restrictions on taking dogs onto some of Pembrokeshire beaches, including Tenby’s North Beach where the Long Course Weekend kicks off tomorrow evening (Friday, June 21); and the Ironman Wales swim starts every year, with this year’s event taking place on Sunday, September 22.

In years gone by, the Local Authority has relaxed the rules on restrictions for such events, but have confirmed, that won’t be the case for 2024.

Dog beach ban Tenby
Despite being known to many as ‘dog friendly Pembrokeshire’ - the Local Authority still likes to restrict pet pooches from many of the the county’s beaches between May 1 and September 30 each year. (Observer pic)

As part of the Long Course triathlon, the swim takes place on Tenby’s North Beach from 6pm on Friday; whilst the Ironman Wales event sees competitors start with the early morning swim on North Beach.

“While many beaches welcome dogs all year around, Tenby North beach is one of the two County beaches that has a total ban on dogs during this summer period,” said a spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council.

“This restriction remains in place for the Long Course Weekend and the Ironman Wales events, which both have swims taking place on Tenby North.

“The beach is always extremely busy during these events.

“Spectators are politely asked not to take their dogs onto the beach during these events and instead make use of the many viewing areas surrounding the beach,” they added.

Tenby dogs on beach
Dogs are banned from Tenby’s North Beach for 5 months of the year (Observer pic)

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

Since the restrictions came into place on May 1 there have been reports of many dog owners being hit with Fixed Penalty Notices, with WISE enforcement wardens employed by Pembrokeshire County Council to tackle a range of environmental crimes, now also tasked with patrolling beaches for such breaches.

With members of the public being hit with hefty fines for breaching the byelaws on some of the county’s beaches, many are asking if the restrictions are somewhat draconian for a place that is portrayed as ‘Dog Friendly Pembrokeshire’ to holidaymakers and residents alike.

News of the hefty fines being issued have been hit with somewhat of a backlash on social media, with one person commenting: “Restrictions are way too draconian. Many locals have dogs and like to walk then early mornings and evenings when visitors are generally not on the beach. 

Saundersfot dog sign
Pembrokeshire County Council's beach ban also applies to parts of Saundersfoot beach (Observer pic)

“There are many more families bringing dogs on holiday with them who would like to walk them during these times. Restrictions should apply only during the school holidays and then between 9am and 7pm.”

Another business owner in Tenby remarked: “1st of May to 1st October is far too long. July and August more appropriate - perhaps some weekends outside that.

“Welsh Water are putting far more sewage on our beaches than dog walkers!”

Another suggested that Pembrokeshire Council should concentrate on getting more bins around the beaches, for humans to dispose of waste; with littering a major issue for Tenby in recent years.

“Get the dog warden down the North Beach on Ironman day - as the fines can pay for more bins then! I’m all for time frames, especially in the mornings.

“Most dog walkers always have poo bags in their pockets.” Others agreed that the restrictions were dated, and pointed to places such as Cornwall that allow dog walkers to use beaches before 10am and after 7pm over the summer season.

“It’s such an outdated law! The mess that humans leave after a day at the beach is disgusting!! We pick up after our dogs, keep them under control and respect our beautiful beaches!!” wrote one; with another stating: “Pembs beaches are not dog friendly. It’s a swizz which is sold to families visiting!

Dog restrictions sign
PCC signage in Tenby pointing out the restrictions for dogs on beaches/walkways from May 1 (Observer pic)

“We could work off other seaside places model of time restrictions. 7am there’s no one on the beaches. 9am to 7pm or something would be fine and more accessible to people who have disabilities with dogs,” they added.

Note, the restrictions do not apply to guide dogs for visually impaired people.

You can see more information about the summer beach restrictions here: https://pembrokeshireleisure.co.uk/beaches/