Five Dog Owners Fined For Taking Dogs On Beach In Swansea
Five dog owners in Swansea have been fined more than £2,000 for taking their dogs on beaches that were not dog friendly.
All the owners were originally issued with fixed penalties for failing to keep their pets on beaches where dogs are permitted.
Between May and September a by-law introduced by Swansea Council prevents dogs from a number of beaches around the Swansea coastline.
The five dog owners failed to pay the fixed penalty notice they were issued which resulted in them being summoned under Section 82 and 83 of the Public Health acts Amendment Act 1907 and Section 235 Local Government Act 1972.
Four of the defendants were absent from court and were each fined £220 with costs of £212.20 and victim surcharge of £22.
The fifth defendant pleaded guilty in court and was fined £60 with costs of £212.20 and victim surcharge of £20.
The fines come on the eve of the dog beach ban by-law coming into force again at the beginning of May this year.
A council spokesperson said: “The by-law enables us to ensure that everyone visiting the beaches in Swansea can enjoy what’s on offer. It means we can create a good number of dog friendly beaches for those who want to take their pets along with them. It also means that some beaches including sections of Swansea Bay are dog-free zones.
“We would urge dog owners to check which beaches are dog friendly so they can avoid being issued with a fixed penalty.”
New signage has gone up along Swansea Bay to make it easier for dog owners to know which part of the beach they are allowed on. The bay is split into four parts and dogs are allowed on approximately 50% of the beach between Mumbles and the River Tawe.
Other dog friendly beaches include Pwll Du, Pobbles, Three Cliffs Bay, Rhossili Bay and Llangennith.
A full list of the beaches is featured on the Council’s website and signage is up at each beach stating if dogs are permitted or not.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email News@News.Wales
