New signs erected on Douglas beach by Douglas Borough Council are to remind dog owners where and when they are permitted to exercise their dogs, under the provisions of the 2018 Douglas Dog Control Byelaws

The two new signs have been fixed to the steps leading onto the beach opposite the Queen’s Hotel.

One sign (pictured below) points towards the northern end of the beach to advise owners they are permitted to exercise their dogs at all times on the stretch of beach between the steps opposite the Queen’s Hotel to Derby Castle, provided they are under effective control and the faeces is removed.  

The other (pictured below) points towards the southern end of the beach reminds owners that from May 1st to September 30th between the hours of 10am and 5pm dogs are prohibited from the stretch of Douglas beach which extends from the steps opposite the Queen’s Hotel to the Bottleneck car park. Outside of these hours dogs are allowed on the beach but must be under effective control at all times.

Environmental Services Committee Chair Councillor Ritchie McNicholl said: ‘Douglas beach is a prime leisure attraction in our town - one we want everyone to be able enjoy - and in 2015 the Council updated its Dog Control byelaws to give dog owners access to an extended stretch of the beach where they could legally exercise their dogs.

‘We recognise that the majority of dog owners are responsible individuals. Regrettably, however, there will always be an antisocial minority whose actions spoil the pleasure of others. We hope that these new signs will not only remind dog owners of their obligations but also serve to demonstrate to the wider community that the Council remains committed to creating a cleaner environment for our town.’