Dogs could be banned from parts of several Arun parks and public spaces under new rules being considered by councillors.
The current rules are set to expire November 5, so councillors are being asked to extend them for another three years, with some changes to where dogs can go.
A report states the main aim of the current rules is ‘to encourage responsible dog ownership whilst balancing the needs of dog owners and non-dog owners.’
At The West Green in Bognor, dogs would be banned from the water play area, adjacent play area, beach volleyball, basketball courts and the boules green. They would also have to be kept on a short lead elsewhere on the West Green.
Dogs would also be banned from the Place St Maur fountains while they are operating.
At Hotham Park, dogs would have to be kept on leads between 9am and 5pm from the months of May 1, to September 30.
The proposals follow a public consultation which received 529 responses, including 342 from dog owners.
At Hotham Park, 48% of respondents were against introducing new restrictions, while 35% supported them.
Some respondents said that existing rules should be enforced rather than introducing new ones.
While at The West Green, 55% supported some form of restriction, compared with 20% against.
There were calls from some locals for better enforcement of the existing rules, including more patrols and fines for people who fail to follow them.
The report said 59% of respondents left additional comments, with enforcement as a major theme.
The council said 32 fixed penalty notices were issued for dog control offences between January 2022 and March 2024.
No new restrictions are proposed for Bersted Brooks or Caffyn’s Field, as the council claims there is not enough evidence to support them.
The current fine for breaking the dog control rules would remain at £100, or reduced to £75 if paid within two weeks.
Councillors will consider the proposals at the Environment Committee meeting on September 17.
Get the latest ALERTS for BREAKING NEWS in the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.
Human remains identified as missing Southampton woman
Chichester man jailed for 15 years after grooming and raping teenage girl
Concerns continue over approved plans for hundreds of new homes in Westhampnett
Man charged following violent disorder at Eastney Marina
Worthing man sentenced after reign of abuse
Football fan reunites with lifesavers after cardiac arrest at Crawley Town match
Pride of Portsmouth lions to reunite at Historic Dockyard
Five fire engines have been sent to a property fire in Goring-by-Sea
Council officer in Southampton spent seven hours deciphering AI-generated response
