Adur and Worthing councils consult on dogs protection order

Dogs could be banned from further places in West Sussex as part of proposals to extend a council protection order.

Adur and Worthing District Councils have said they want to extend a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which bans dogs from certain locations and gives officers powers to tackle dog fouling and dogs off leads.

Further powers could exclude dogs from play areas in Lilac Way, Shoreham, and Freesia Way, Durrington, as well as Heene Cemetery in Worthing.

The councils are asking for feedback on the plans which would also extend current powers for a further three years until December 2028.

Under the PSPO, council officers can issue fixed penalty notices of £100 or prosecute dog owners who fail to comply with any of the orders, which include picking up dog faeces or putting pets on leads in certain areas.

Currently, dogs are not allowed in enclosed children’s play areas in Adur and Worthing, as well as Highdown Gardens in Worthing.

Dogs are also excluded from the beach in Worthing from Splash Point to Heene Road, and between the two boat launching ramps in Goring-by-Sea, between 1 May and 30 September each year.

Other new powers under consultation include requiring dogs to be on leads on footpaths either side of the Adur Estuary, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Shoreham.

A council spokesperson said: “These powers are not intended to disrupt dog owners but are in place to address the potential nuisance that some dogs can cause in public spaces.

“Without these orders, we would have limited powers to address any dog-related problems that occur.

“Although many of us love dogs, we think it’s important to have some restrictions in place and provide some dog-free areas so that everyone can enjoy our wonderful parks and coastline.”