Enforcement of Dorset Council's dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) starts today.

The PSPO came into force on January 1, 2021, and during the first month, Dorset Council focused on advice and guidance to dog owners, explaining the new rules.

From today (February 1) if the rules are broken, fixed penalty notices may be issued by enforcement officers. These can also be served by post if a witness provides details of the dog owner, such as their address, or their vehicle registration number and are willing to provide a suitable witness statement.

The PSPO places restrictions on dog owners in control of their dogs. These restrictions include clearing up dog fouling and proper disposal of the waste in any open space.

On certain land, dogs are not allowed on marked sports pitches or enclosed children's play areas, or are required to be on lead, such as in cemeteries and formal gardens.

There are also dog restrictions on some beaches relating to certain times of the year.

In Bridport and the surrounding areas, dogs will be excluded from Seatown, West Bay East Beach and the western beach adjacent to the harbour from May 1 to September 30 and all other times will be allowed to exercise off the lead on those beaches. The restrictions do not include West Cliff Beach at West Bay - closest to Eype - or Eype Beach, both of which allow dogs all year round.

Dogs should be kept on leads around West Bay harbour and the esplanade, as well as in cemeteries, church graveyards where dogs are permitted, in public formal gardens, in council-owned allotments where they are allowed, council-owned car parks and within 5m of marked sports pitches.

Councillor Jill Haynes, Dorset Council portfolio holder for customer and community services, said: "The PSPO has been made to protect the health of Dorset residents and visitors and is particularly aimed at area that children and families use.

"It targets times and places that attract families, but leaves a variety of open spaces, countryside and beaches where there aren't any restrictions."

Details of the PSPO and information about beaches can be found at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk