Dogs on beaches

Home > > > > > Dogs on beaches

Dog owners have rights and we recognise that part of the pleasure of owning a dog comes from taking it for walks. In a seaside area, this means walking your dog on the beach, sometimes without having to keep it on a lead.

Other beach users have rights too. For example, it is reasonable for beach users to expect to be able to enjoy the beach all year round unmolested by dogs. Our controls try to balance the rights of these groups of beach users so that they can both enjoy our beautiful beaches without affecting the enjoyment of others.

Seasonal dog restrictions apply to clearly signposted areas of beach at Felixstowe, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness, Lowestoft and Corton, from 1 May to 30 September and Southwold from 1 April to 30 September. You must not allow your dog on the beach in these areas at these times.

Failure to comply with the Dog Control Order can result in a fine of up to £1000.

In this section