By Local Democracy Reporters Meghan Shaw and Daniel Esson
Dog owners have insisted “we’re not hurting anyone” as a council considers plans to ban pooches from a much-loved walking spot.
Birchington dog walkers have slated the plans as “wrong”, but Thanet District Council (TDC) insists the restrictions are needed to protect wildlife.
At a meeting on August 27, the authority’s cabinet voted to consult the public for views on a new dog control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
The new order would maintain the dog exclusion zones on some of the district’s beaches, which TDC says is vital for retaining Thanet’s prestigious Blue Flag awards.
The proposed PSPO would introduce a restriction that no dogs would be allowed on the beach year-round on a stretch in Birchington.
They would also require owners to keep their pets on leads on the northern sea wall, between Cold Harbour and Plum Pudding.
Dog owner Marcus said: “If it’s the law we’d have to do it, but I don’t think many people would be happy about it.
“We’re not hurting anyone, and we’re clearing up after ourselves.”
Fellow dog walker Paul described the move as “a sledgehammer to crack a nut”.
“At the weekends a lot of people walk their dogs here and it’d be a shame not to be able to enjoy the countryside with their dogs.
“Maybe a more measured means of protecting the wildlife is something they should consider.”
“I think it’s wrong,” said Graham Sergeant, out walking his dog Bluebell in the area.
“I’d have said the cyclists are more of a danger with the speeds they get up to. To penalise dog walkers is just wrong.”
He continued: “People need to walk their dogs somewhere. What do you do, just ban people from having dogs? There’s got to be a bit of give and take.
“Sometimes councillors need to wobble their heads and realise they represent the population, not their own views.”
The consultation, where residents can express their views on the proposals, lasts until October 9.
A TDC spokesperson explained that the restrictions “have been put forward to mitigate disturbance to wintering and breeding birds.
“The proposal is based on evidence of significant impacts of bird disturbance in this specific habitat.
“Dogs are also not allowed at Pegwell Bay, also an important bird roosting site.”
Council papers cite concerns from Bird Wise East Kent, which suggests even “occasional disturbance” from human activity and dogs could cause “significant harm” to bird populations.
Nikki Groom of Kent Canine Academy stressed that owners need to be responsible for their dogs.
“I can understand the concern because the birds do need to rest during their migration and we’re so lucky to have such an area full of wildlife and we should appreciate the wildlife that’s here,” she said.
“I don’t agree with the ban itself.
“I agree that dog owners and walkers should be more responsible.
“No dog should be off a lead if they don’t have a guaranteed recall, so train your dog.
“If owners can’t be responsible and train their dog for a recall then unfortunately it leads to no other option than to ban the dogs.”
The Public Space Protection Order for Dog Control was originally approved in October 2017 and was amended and extended in both October 2020 and October 2023, for three years on each occasion.
Cllr Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Community said: “We know that the vast majority of dog owners in Thanet are responsible and care deeply about our local environment. Thanet is home to several internationally important nature reserves where protecting local birds and wildlife from disturbance is a key priority.
“Should the PSPO go ahead as proposed, it will support that responsible ownership while ensuring that everyone—including children, local wildlife and people who don’t have dogs—can all enjoy our beautiful coastline and green spaces safely.
“This consultation is a vital step in our decision-making process. The proposals will help us safeguard our local nature reserves and maintain our award-winning beaches. However, it is important that we hear from the community. Anyone who has a view on these proposals is strongly encouraged to take part.”
To view the full details of the proposed dog control measures and to take part in the consultation survey, visit Your Voice Thanet – yourvoice.thanet.gov.uk
