Dog walkers spotted walking pets in no-go Exmouth beach ban areas became abusive when challenged by council workers, it has been revealed.
The district council said ‘friendly conversations’ struck up with the majority of dog walkers at the start of May’s beach ban resulted in ‘unacceptable verbal abuse towards officers.’
East Devon District Council (EDDC) said it could take action against the abusive dog walkers once it has identified who they are.
The East Devon seasonal dog beach ban began in Exmouth at the start of May, until the end of September.
Dog walkers spotted walking their pets on the main areas of beach a fortnight after the ban started – flouting the rules – reacted with ‘verbal abuse’ when challenged by EDDC dog enforcement officers and Exmouth street marshalls.
An EDDC spokesperson said: “The team engaged with dog walkers within the restricted area. Some were local residents, while others were visiting the district.
“Unfortunately, the majority of those approached responded with unacceptable verbal abuse towards officers.
“Investigations are ongoing to identify the individuals involved, and further enforcement action may follow.”
The beach was patrolled at the end of April, ahead of the seasonal ban, and in mid-May, a fortnight after the restrictions started.
The council said ‘most’ dog walkers spoken to in April showed ‘clear awareness’ of the beach ban start date and restricted areas.
When officers returned to patrol Exmouth beach for seven consecutive days in May with the aim of challenging non-compliance within the exclusion zone, the majority of dog walkers turned abusive.
Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC environment, said: “Our beaches are for everyone to enjoy, and it’s vital we maintain safe and pleasant spaces for all users. While we’re encouraged by the awareness shown by many dog owners, there is no excuse for abuse towards our officers, who are simply doing their jobs to enforce the rules. We urge all dog owners to respect the seasonal restrictions.”
The district council beach bans come into force each year between May and September, in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour and to ‘ensure everyone enjoys their visit to the coast’.
At the end of April EDDC spoke to dog walkers in Exmouth in a bid to explain its beach ban rules through ‘friendly conversations’.
Its officers returned to the beach in the second week of May, to ‘challenge non-compliance within the exclusion zone’.
EDDC seasonal dog bans – May 1 to September 30.
Beer beach
- No dogs from the point below Sea Hill beach access path to the cliff edge on the west side.
- Dogs on leads are allowed access to the beach café inside the ban area.
Budleigh Salterton beach
- No dogs between South Parade and Lime Kiln car park.
- Dogs must be on leads along the esplanade.
Exmouth beach
- No dogs between the Octagon café and the second groyne at Orcombe Point.
- Dogs on leads along the esplanade, in Beach Gardens, Pavilion Grounds, and Queen’s Drive Space.
Seaton beach
- No dogs between Castle Hill and Trevelyan Road.
- Dogs on leads from The Chine (including West Walk) to Trevelyan Road.
Sidmouth beach
- No dogs between Jacobs Ladder and the access ramp opposite Sidmouth Sailing and Sea Angling Club.
Dogs on leads on the stepped area in front of Jacobs Ladder beach huts and along the esplanade.
