DOG owners will stage a walking protest over proposals to ban pets on a long stretch of beach from Rhos on Sea to Colwyn Bay. 

A current 'Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order' for the county expires next month.

Conwy County Borough Council is now looking to extend it for the next three years and add three new areas - the dry beach between Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea, Rhos Point to the Promenade Access Point in line with College Avenue and Penmachno Playing Field.

Aaron Haggas, 45, a dog walker from Rhos on Sea, has organised the 'walk in objection to the council's dog ban proposal'. 

Mr Haggas put the event on social media on Thursday (September 7). Already, more than 400 people have responded to the event and more than 80 have said they will attend. 

Mr Haggas, who lives in Rhos-on-Sea, said: "I run a lot and I saw the placards about the plans. I thought 'what is going on here, banning them all year round?'

"I only put the event on Facebook yesterday (Thursday) and it has had a huge response. We might only have nine people turn up or it might be 90. I want to get dog walkers down there and it is only right to involve the councillors. One can't attend as they are at a christening but the councillor seem seem positive about what we want to do. 

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"I try to be responsible. We had got a Rottweiler, she is only three. I have my own mental health issues; Dogs help maintain our wellbeing. My daughter adores dogs. She is always going up to dog owners asking names. She is very responsible.

"Dogs benefit from exercising on the beach. I wouldn't want to be on a lead all the time."

On Sunday, dog owners will meet for the walk at the tourist information centre at Rhos-on-Sea at 2pm for a walk along the beach to Porth Eirias.

Mr Haggas said: "I will do a bit of a brief, risk assessment - 'shout if you haven't got poo bags' etc.

"People can join for the start of the walk or just part of the walk.

"There is an open invite for people to join.

"We have had a constructive and positive debate on the Facebook group.

"Dogs are members of our community," Mr Haggas added. 

"I have always had a dog. Dogs owners are responsible - we make sure they have leads, insurance, are microchipped, we do classes. A lot of time and effort goes in. They are valued members of the family. 

"I don't see the issue with dogs on the beach and I hope the council can see that. We are responsible dog owners, we pick up after our dogs. 

"Rhos-on-Sea businesses have been brilliant - they are very much in support of dogs. Dogs are always welcome. If you ban dogs from the beach you might get people thinking 'What is the point of going to Rhos?' The ban has potentially a much bigger impact."

Conwy County Borough Council has launched a consultation on the control of dogs in public places.

The current Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) 2020 is in place until October 2023, when the proposed new draft Order would come into force.

The current Order includes:

  • Dog Exclusion Zones (e.g. beaches, playing fields)
  • Dog Fouling and means to pick up
  • Dogs on Leads
  • Dogs on Leads when asked by an authorised officer

Cllr Emily Owen, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: "Proposed Public Space Protection Orders and dog fouling are topics that regularly come up in most councillors’ inboxes. These Dog Control Orders aim to create a balance for dog owners and people who don’t have dogs to be able to enjoy public spaces.

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"Our aim is to prevent the small number of irresponsible dog owners from allowing their dogs to foul, stray, and be out of control in a public place – thereby keeping everyone, including animals, safe.

"I’d encourage everyone to get involved and have their say."

The Public Space Protection Order, the proposed changes, maps and response form are available to view on the council’s website at www.conwy.gov.uk/pspo2023

The closing date for comments is October 4 2023.

The walking protest will take place on Sunday, September 10 at 2pm. Meet at Rhos-on-Sea tourist information centre.