Pembrokeshire county council has urged dog owners to be responsible and ‘scoop the poop!’
While dogs are welcome on the majority of the 50 plus beaches in Pembrokeshire there are some that have summer restrictions – and just two with total bans.
Between May 1 and September 30 - Tenby’s North Beach and Whitesands, St Davids has a total dog ban and there are partial bans on nine others.
These are: Lydstep; Newgale beach and promenade; Coppet Hall (which is a voluntary ban); Saundersfoot beach and promenade; Tenby’s Castle and South Beach; Amroth beach and promenade; Poppit Sands; Broad Haven North and Dale.
These restrictions do not apply to Guide Dogs.
There will be maps at each of these locations indicating which areas dogs are welcome and reminding owners that dogs must be kept on leads on all promenades, pebble banks and other specified areas.
The new signage, providing clear guidance to all visitors, has been funded by the Welsh Government ‘Brilliant Basics’ grant, aimed at improving access to the coast, and Pembrokeshire County Council, Welsh Water, National Trust and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Development of the signage was done in collaboration with Visit Pembrokeshire, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, RNLI and Keep Wales Tidy.
The dog bans are subject to enforcement with a maximum penalty of £500 for breaches of the bylaws. The Fouling of Land Act applies to all Pembrokeshire beaches.
“Please be a responsible dog owner and scoop the poop!” said a spokesperson for the Local Authority.
“There are links to more info and other useful sites to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe visit on the Pembrokeshire Coast on the Pembrokeshire Leisure website.”
The County Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said: “Pembrokeshire has many beautiful beaches and there are just a small number where dogs are restricted during certain months.
“We are asking visitors and residents alike to respect all our beaches by sticking to the restrictions in place.
“Dog owners on all beaches must also make sure they clean up after their dogs so our coastline can be enjoyed by everyone.”