Dogs Could Face Ban From Arun Parks If New Rules Approved

Dogs could be banned from parts of several Arun parks and public spaces under new rules being considered by councillors.

The current rules are set to expire November 5, so councillors are being asked to extend them for another three years, with some changes to where dogs can go.

A report states the main aim of the current rules is ‘to encourage responsible dog ownership whilst balancing the needs of dog owners and non-dog owners.’

At The West Green in Bognor, dogs would be banned from the water play area, adjacent play area, beach volleyball, basketball courts and the boules green. They would also have to be kept on a short lead elsewhere on the West Green.

Dogs would also be banned from the Place St Maur fountains while they are operating.

At Hotham Park, dogs would have to be kept on leads between 9am and 5pm from the months of May 1, to September 30.

The proposals follow a public consultation which received 529 responses, including 342 from dog owners.

At Hotham Park, 48% of respondents were against introducing new restrictions, while 35% supported them.

Some respondents said that existing rules should be enforced rather than introducing new ones.

While at The West Green, 55% supported some form of restriction, compared with 20% against.

There were calls from some locals for better enforcement of the existing rules, including more patrols and fines for people who fail to follow them.

The report said 59% of respondents left additional comments, with enforcement as a major theme.

The council said 32 fixed penalty notices were issued for dog control offences between January 2022 and March 2024.

No new restrictions are proposed for Bersted Brooks or Caffyn’s Field, as the council claims there is not enough evidence to support them.

The current fine for breaking the dog control rules would remain at £100, or reduced to £75 if paid within two weeks.

Councillors will consider the proposals at the Environment Committee meeting on September 17.