Fines of £100 for dog owners in exclusion zones

Private enforcement officers in parts of West Sussex will soon begin issuing £100 on-the-spot fines to those breaching dog exclusion zones.

Adur and Worthing Borough Councils are expanding the use of the officers from 1 September following a 12-month trial targeting littering and dog fouling.

Year-round dog exclusion zones include all fenced children's playgrounds and Highdown Gardens, while the beach between Splash Point and Heene Road is enforced between 1 May and 30 September.

Worthing Borough Council said that many of the restrictions had been in place for more than a decade, but now officers will actively enforce them.

There are also rules about keeping dogs on a lead on all streets in Adur and Worthing and attractions including Worthing Pier.

Warren Milton, who has lived in Worthing for 28 years, said: "I think they need to enforce certain elements. I think litter dropping and open drinking is where they should spend their enforcement time."

The 55-year-old added: "But I get it, a dog needs to be controlled and managed. I don't really have a problem with it as I follow the rules."

Hannah Baxter, who was visiting the town, said: "I knew about restrictions with the beaches. I look ahead where I can take my dog. Responsible owners need to play a part in it.

"I don't think a £100 is necessary, I think maybe a warning first."

Worthing Borough Council said that National Enforcement Solutions (NES) officers will help enforce long-standing restrictions.

"The restrictions are not new," a spokesperson said.

"What is changing is that officers will now actively enforce them, so residents and visitors may see a greater officer presence in these areas."

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