All dogs should be on leads

Councillors claim new restrictions should be introduced along the island’s coastline requiring dogs to be kept on a lead during the summer months after complaints from local residents over the animals playing in the tidal pools and on the beaches.

Signs along Concord Beach prohibit dog owners from letting their dogs loose between the Concord cafe and the Labworth cafe, but they are frequently ignored.

Town and borough councillor Peter Grieg said: “As a dog owner myself,I think they should be kept on a lead, especially during the summer.

“The beaches have been packed over the holidays and when you’re on the beach, the last thing you want is dogs running around, especially when kids are playing, as they could easily get frightened “I certainly hope this is the course of action we will be taking.”

Fellow town and borough councillor John Anderson also backed the idea.

He said: “If they’re on a lead, the owners can always be in control and watch what they’re doing.

“During the winter months not many people go to the beach so it’s not a problem, but during the summer it’s so busy.”

However, councillor Doreen Anderson believes having a designated area for dogs to roam would be a better solution.

She said: “Maybe having a specific area where owners could let their dogs off would be a good option.”

The order would need to be introduced by Castle Point Council, which is responsible for the seafront.

A spokeswoman from Castle Point Council said: “Before a dog control order is made, it is important to determine if it is necessary and proportionate, to avoid a potential legal challenge.

“We’re not aware of any particular problems on the seafront regarding dogs off lead, which would justify this council introducing a dog control order, and we therefore do not have any plans to do so.”

Canvey Town Council’s environment and open spaces committee will be debating the issue on Monday.

The meeting will take place from 7.30pm at the Paddocks Community Centre, in Long Road, Canvey.