Dog ban plan canned

11:36am Thursday 5th June 2008

By Lawrence Marzouk, Local Government Correspondent

A council is expected to drop controversial plans to ban dogs from all beaches during the summer months.

The news comes as it emerged that Oscar, the canine mascot of the Barking Mad campaign against the plan, died in a road accident last week.

A report to Brighton and Hove City Council's cabinet recommends a proposal to bar dogs from all beaches in the summer is rejected.

The move follows several protest marches along the seafront and a petition signed by 2,500 people, including television presenter Zoe Ball.

Current by-laws restricting dogs date back to when Brighton and Hove were separate authorities.

The new dog control order tidies up the disjointed system but keeps many of the same bans in place.

If agreed by councillors, the new regime would allow the council's animal welfare officers to hand out £80 fines and would come into effect at midnight on December 31.

Dogs would be banned from all children's play areas, some school playing fields, historic squares, cemeteries and on Brighton beach between Brighton Pier and Hove peace statue from April to September.

Dogs would be allowed off the lead in golf courses, parks and other sections of the beach.

It would become illegal to let a dog of the lead in most other public places in the city and owners face a fine if they do not clear up dog mess.

Karl Lester, who led the protests with his dog Oscar, said: "I am delighted - it is a success for people power.

"It is a fitting epitaph to Oscar's short life and I am delighted that through him we have managed to get everybody behind the movement and some good will come of it all.

"It is wonderful news as a lot of people have worked very hard in the protest and to get a petition going with 2,500 people.

The cabinet meeting, to be held next Thursday, will discuss the new laws to control dogs in the city.

Gill Mitchell, leader of the Labour opposition on the council, said: "I am delighted that common sense has prevailed.

"It is regrettable that so much upset and concern has been caused to dog owners."

Lib Dem councillor Paul Elgood said: "Simple common sense needs to be applied to this.

"The Conservatives have gone the long way round finding out the obvious, that residents want action on dog fouling rather than heavy handed dog bans."