People who walk dogs have been cautioned that they could get fined £1,000 if they take out more than six pets simultaneously in a well-liked coastal town.
Hastings Borough Council has revised its control regulations after a number of dog-related incidents.
Under new regulations, all dogs must be on a leash throughout the entire seafront walkway, and one person cannot take out more than six dogs at a time – and all dog waste throughout the borough must be picked up and placed in a bin.
Members of the council in the popular Sussex coastal town have urged beach visitors to watch out for those who break the rules.
Councillor Glenn Haffenden stated: 'While we are aware that most dog owners are responsible, there have been several dog-related incidents recently.
‘These limitations will help ensure the safety of residents and visitors. I am pleased that the PSPO will result in a potential fine for anyone who allows a dog to soil in public and does not clean it up, as I know this is a matter of concern for residents.'
The new regulations are applicable to beaches, parks, and green spaces in Hastings and St Leonards.
Councillor Haffenden remarked: 'These updated restrictions make it clear for dog owners to understand where they are allowed to have their dogs off the leash.'
There are a total of two dog exclusion areas on the beach during the summer, which prohibit animals from April 1 to September 30.
Dogs are permitted on the beach either on or off-leash at any time from the west of Hastings Pier to the west end of Bottle Alley, and from opposite the Royal Victoria Hotel to the border with Rother where their restrictions begin.
There are also limitations in parks and green spaces throughout the borough, with dogs prohibited from entering any of the water features including ponds in Alexandra Park or St Leonards Gardens.
Dogs are also not allowed in children’s play areas, multi-use games areas, skate parks, tennis courts, or bowls greens. They must be on a leash at specified times in the parks – please refer to the signs within the parks for confirmation of the details.
New signs are being put up along the seafront, in the parks and green spaces, and all over the borough to inform people about the restrictions.
Anyone who violates the new restrictions could receive an immediate fine of up to £100 or face prosecution in court with a fine of up to £1,000.
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