Updated dog control PSPO rules

An updated dog control public space protection order (PSPO) is now in force. This updates the rules around where dogs are allowed to be on the beaches and in parks and green spaces across Hastings and St Leonards.

The rules include:

• dogs must be on a lead along the whole promenade;
• no more than six dogs can be taken out by one person at any time;
• all dog fouling across the borough must be picked up and put in a bin.

Anyone not following these rules could be fined.

There are two dog exclusion areas on the beach over the summer. Dogs will not be allowed on these areas of the beach between 1 April to 30 September.

These areas are:

• from the east of Rock-a-Nore to the east side of Hastings Pier and
• from the west end of Bottle Alley to opposite the Royal Victoria Hotel.

Dogs are allowed on the beach either on or off-lead at any time on the beach from the west of Hastings Pier to the west end of Bottle Alley and from opposite the Royal Victoria Hotel until the border with Rother where their restrictions take over. For the winter period (1 October to 31 March), dogs are allowed on all parts of the beach either on or off-lead.

There are also restrictions in parks and green spaces across the borough, with dogs not allowed in any of the water 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 leads at specified times in the parks - please check signage within the parks to confirm the details.

New signage is being installed along the seafront, in the parks and green spaces, and across the borough to let people know about the restrictions.

Anyone in breach of the new restrictions could be given an on the spot fine of up to £100 or prosecuted in court with a fine of up to £1,000.

You can find out more including details of all areas affected by the PSPO.

Notes for editors:
There was a public consultation on the PSPO in September and October 2022, and councillors approved the new PSPO in March 2023.