17 dog owners slapped with fines for breaching Sunderland beach ban - this is where dogs are not allowed

Sunderland City Council has prohibited dogs from a part Seaburn and another at Roker under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which runs during the summer months.

The walkers have been fined £75 after being given fixed penalty notices for letting their dogs roam in those areas.

Anyone allowing their dog to go those parts sections or their dog to foul faces the fine, which can rise to a maximum of £1,000 if this not paid and it leads to a conviction in a magistrates’ court.

The council says fixed signs warning of the restrictions, while environmental enforcement officers have been patrolling for the last few weeks, advising people about littering, dog fouling and dog walking restrictions.

The Echo runs the Clean Streets campaign, which encourages pride in the city’s environment.

The exclusion zones are normally in place from Friday, May 1, to Wednesday, September 30, but this year were delayed by month to allow dog walkers more space to socially distance when the beaches were less busy.

With more people now visiting following the easing of the lockdown, Deputy Council Leader and cabinet member for environment and transport, Councillor Michael Mordey, believes it is right anyone caught breaching the ban should face the consequences.

He said: "The dog exclusion zones are there for a very good reason.

“It's all about keeping areas of our beaches dog free, clean and safe for children to use over the summer months.

“We're lucky enough to have miles of award-winning beautiful beaches in Sunderland, so there really is space for everyone.

"All we're asking is that people take notice of the signage and keep their dogs off certain limited stretches of beach over the summer months.

“But people also need to be aware that if they do breach the rules, we have the power to fine them and will do so.

"Enforcing the restrictions is an important part of making sure that beachgoers have the space to safely social distance, at the same time as being able to enjoy the benefits our beaches offer for wellbeing."

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