Dogs on leads

A Public Space Protection Order is in effect on Canvey Island foreshore, requiring dogs to be on leads.

The Order applies to the foreshore footpath seaward side and beaches between sea defence gate 17 and Thorney Bay. The PSPO runs from 10am to 6pm, between 1 April and 30 September each year and will remain in force for an initial period of 3 years.

 

The law

It is an offence for any person in charge of a dog (or dogs) not to have them on a lead and not to be in control of the lead (or leads). 

Failure to comply any obligation imposed by this Order will make the individual(s) guilty of a criminal offence by virtue of Section 67(1) of the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 and liable to a fine on summary conviction not exceeding level 3 (£1000) on the standard scale.

Council Officers are also authorised to serve Fixed Penalty Notices of £100 to offenders.

For the purposes of the order, a person who habitually has a dog in his possession shall be taken to be in charge of the dog at any time unless at that time some other person is in charge of the dog.
 

Exceptions

The Order will not apply to a person who is registered as a blind person in a register compiled under section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948, or to a person who has a disability which affects their mobility, manual dexterity, physical co-ordination or ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects, in respect of a dog trained by Dogs for the Disabled (registered charity number 700454), Support Dogs (registered charity number 1088281) or Canine Partners for Independence (registered charity number 803680) and upon which they rely for assistance.

 

Area of effect

Dogs on leads PSPO area of effect map

 

Dogs will be required to be kept on leads on the beaches and seaward walkways where the red line is shown on the map above, from sea defence Gate 17 opposite Maurice Road to Thorney Bay.

If you spot someone who is repeatedly not cleaning up after their dog and/or has their dog of its lead on Canvey Foreshore, please provide the following information using the form below.

  • Date and time
  • Location
  • Person’s description
  • Dog’s description

 

Report a dogs on leads problem

 

Public Notices

Public Notice Dogs on Leads March 2023.pdf