Mass Protest Against Proposed Dog Ban
Hundreds of people gathered on the beach at Rhos-on-Sea in Conwy on Sunday, August 23, to protest against a proposed permanent ban on dogs from the popular shoreline. The demonstration, organized by local councillor Jo Nuttall, saw an estimated 600 to 700 attendees, according to Nuttall. The protest comes as Conwy Council considers a year-round exclusion of dogs from the area fronting the Cayley Promenade, a move that would create the beach's third dog-free zone if approved.
Opponents of the ban argue that excluding dogs from the most popular stretch of the shore is disproportionate, undemocratic, and would seriously damage the local economy, as dog owners frequent nearby cafes and shops. Holidaymakers who enjoy visiting the beach with their pets have warned they will not return if the proposal is agreed. One distressed owner said she recently moved to the area only because of its dog-friendly beaches.
Council's Proposal and Rationale
Conwy Council has proposed the ban as part of an update to its current Public Spaces Protection Order. The exclusion zone would cover the area of beach fronting the Cayley Promenade, including the beach's "tideless" zone, and would apply year-round. Council documents state that dog fouling is among the reasons for the ban, noting that while the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, "a few irresponsible dog owners who fail to clean up still remain." The council also cited toxocariasis, a disease present in animal faeces, as a health concern, with children facing the greatest risk.
Council officials emphasized that the proposed exclusion zone is "significantly smaller" than one put forward in a shelved 2023 attempt, which sparked a demonstration of around 2,300 dog owners and another of 1,500 people. The council stated that "substantial areas" for dog walkers will remain nearby. The location near Cayley Promenade was chosen following "collective agreement" among councillors for Colwyn Bay and Rhos on Sea, as it is the most "intensively used" part of the beach. Dog owners found in breach of the ban could face fines of £100.
Protesters' Demands
Cllr Jo Nuttall, who represents the Llandrillo-yn-Rhos ward and owns two Collies, said the protest demonstrated the strength of feeling against the ban. "This permanent ban is disproportionate. You can see by the turnout today just how strong feelings are about allowing dogs on the beach," she told the North Wales Pioneer. "My message to the council is please reassess. A permanent dog ban makes no sense." She added, "This beach is enjoyed by thousands of people and their dogs all year round. A permanent ban is disproportionately penalising responsible dog owners."
Nuttall suggested alternative measures, including a seasonal ban from May 1 to October 1, or allowing dogs on the beach only before 10am and after 6pm, provided it is policed. She also urged dog owners to be conscientious and clean up after their pets.
Resident Wendy Routledge echoed concerns about cleanliness, telling reporters that "humans leave behind far more mess on this beach than dogs do," and suggested implementing dog wardens as a better solution. Another protester, Diana Owen, told the BBC: "They need to really think about this. I can appreciate people do not always want to have dogs on the beach. But we pay our rates, we do live here. And being a lady on my own it's far safer on the beach."
Community Reactions
The proposal has divided opinion online. Some residents voiced support for the ban, citing the threat from dog muck to children, with one resident declaring "no one wants to sunbathe on a dog toilet." Others, however, called the plan "ludicrous" and "absurd," with one Llandudno man describing it as "an utter disgrace."
Council's Response
Councillor Stephen Price defended the proposal, saying: "Dog fouling and irresponsible dog ownership are issues that councillors hear about regularly from residents." The council stated that the ban targets the few irresponsible owners who fail to clean up, and that communities considered dog-related issues a "key concern." The council also noted that a dog control order was put in place in 2023, and the current consultation was initiated due to the actions of some owners who failed to keep their pets under control or pick up after them.
Next Steps
The consultation on the proposed ban is open and ends on September 11. A protest walk is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, with participants gathering by the clock at Happy Faces, adjacent to the Tourist Information Point in Rhos on Sea, at 4pm. Dogs are welcome but not required.