Man criticises dog walking restriction proposal

A man has criticised Arun District Council for a survey which he said was biased against dog walkers and could lead to the practice being restricted.
Clive Kitchener is unhappy at proposal to ban dogs from being walked on Ferring beach without a lead. Picture: Derek MartinClive Kitchener is unhappy at proposal to ban dogs from being walked on Ferring beach without a lead. Picture: Derek Martin
Clive Kitchener is unhappy at proposal to ban dogs from being walked on Ferring beach without a lead. Picture: Derek Martin

Clive Kitchener, 70, from Jersey Road, Ferring, filled out a survey from Arun District Council about a proposed ban on walking dogs without a lead on Ferring beach in the summer.

The survey formed part of the council’s public consultation on PSPOs.

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A PSPO, which stands for Public Space Protection Order, can be issued by the council in any public space to deal with a nuisance or problem in a particular area.

Mr Kitchener believed the questions were phrased negatively and that a ban could affect local businesses if dog walkers were dissuaded from using the beach, and might even prevent people from getting dogs.

He said he was speaking out in memory of his golden retriever Rambler, who died in June aged 11. “Dogs are such loving creatures, better than humans, and the overwhelming majority of dogs around here are well-behaved and controlled.

“Lots of people enjoy walking their dog so it seems to be a great imposition by the council that could have very negative consequences.”

He also questioned how the PSPO could be policed.

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An Arun District Council spokesperson said the survey was in response to ‘a large number of complaints’ about dog fouling and the control of dogs in Ferring.

They added that feedback from the consultation will be looked at and a report based on both will be considered by cabinet on December 12.

The council is also working with community group Freedom for Ferring Dogs.

It is helping to educate dog owners about the importance of controlling their dogs and picking up after them while working to find solutions to the reported problems. The spokesperson added that there are four dog waste bins along the promenade in Ferring.

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