£100 Fines To Be Issued For Breaching Dog Restrictions In West Sussex

Dog owners in parts of West Sussex could soon face £100 fines for breaching local dog exclusion zones.

Private enforcement officers are being brought in by Adur and Worthing councils from today (1 September), following a 12-month trial focused on littering and dog fouling.

The year-round restrictions apply to fenced children's play areas and Highdown Gardens, while dogs are banned from the beach between Splash Point and Heene Road from 1 May to 30 September.

Dogs must also be kept on leads on streets across Adur and Worthing, as well as at places including Worthing Pier.

The councils say the restrictions have been in place for many years, but National Enforcement Solutions officers will now actively enforce them.

Worthing resident Warren Milton said some areas, including littering and drinking in public, should be prioritised, although he supports responsible dog ownership.

Visitor Hannah Baxter said responsible owners should follow the rules, but questioned whether a £100 fine was necessary without a warning first.

The councils say the rules themselves are not changing, but people can expect to see more enforcement officers in affected areas.