The schools have broken up for the summer and it’s raining … no surprise there then, but despite the weather our beaches will be busier than usual for the next few weeks. So, here’s a timely reminder about the seasonal dog-walking restrictions that are in place on some of our beaches.
The restrictions are in place from 1st April to 30th September, mostly from 10.00am to 6.00pm, with the intention that beaches can be free from dog fouling and safe for children to play on during the busiest times of the day. Laxey beach is a little more complex than the others with a section in the south left unrestricted, as is Douglas beach which is only restricted on the stretch from Switzerland Road to the Sea Terminal until 5.00pm, leaving the northernmost part unrestricted.
Port St Mary’s Chapel Bay beach bans dogs from 9.00am to 6.00pm, whereas Port Erin is restricted from 10.00am to 7.00pm. And in Ramsey dogs are not permitted along the stretch of beach between the south breakwater to the lifeboat slipway off Queen’s Promenade at any time.
If you don’t routinely use these beaches (or you have friends or family visiting with a dog) the restrictions can be quite confusing, but any owner found exercising their dog on a beach where they are prohibited can be issued with a £50.00 on-the-spot fine. If it is not paid and ends up in court, the fine could be greater.
No restrictions are in place at the following beaches (travelling in a clockwise direction around the coast): Port Skillion, Port Soderick, Port Grenaugh, Derbyhaven, Castletown, Gansey, Spaldrick, Fleshwick, Niarbyl, Fenella, from White Strand to Smeale, Port Lewaigue, Port Mooar, Cornaa, Shoon and Garwick.
The ManxSPCA has issued several warnings this year on social media about how the hot weather can affect animals, and in particular dogs. Despite our advice, we’re still seeing dogs being exercised at the hottest times of the day during heat waves, and being walked on scorchingly hot pavements and sand.
The sun doesn’t have to be shining for a car to overheat, and so even on overcast hot days dogs should not be left in vehicles. Opening the windows and parking in shade will help, but please leave your dogs at home at this time of year if at all possible. If you think a dog is in distress in a parked car and you can’t locate its owner, please call the police who will try to call the owner using their vehicle registration database.