Dogs on Beaches

A beach guide for dog owners - summary of the by-laws prohibiting dogs from the main areas of holiday beaches during the summer season.

During the summer dogs are not permitted on certain areas of the main resort beaches most frequented by the public.
Between 1st May and 30th September persons in charge of dogs (other than a registered blind person in charge of a dog) must comply with local Council Byelaws for the regulation of dogs on the beaches and the esplanades and removal of canine faeces on areas of beach, esplanades and public parks and gardens. Failure to do so will constitute an offence liable on summary conviction to a fine. This web page summarises information that is generally asked for by visitors.
Full details of the Isle of Wight Council Byelaws are available at Council offices.

Isle of Wight map showing restricted beaches for dogs.

DOG PROHIBITED BEACHES

Click the links below for more details (or click an area of the map above)

SANDOWN, LAKE & SHANKLIN

VENTNOR, COMPTON & TOTLAND

WHITECLIFF BAY, SEAVIEW, SPRINGVALE, RYDE & COWES

CANINE FAECES REMOVAL AREAS

To comply with the byelaws, canine faeces must be removed and deposited in a receptacle provided by the Council for that purpose. It shall not be a reasonable excuse that a person in charge of a dog did not have with him or her any means of removal of the faeces.

a) Shanklin - The beach between The Chine and Appley Steps.

b) Shanklin The beach between the groyne at Hope Road Approach and Northern Groyne.

c) Sandown - The beach from an imaginary line at 90 degrees from a point 100 metres north of the Slipway, Lake, to the southern end of the Esplanade.

d) Sandown - The beach between the groyne at Avenue Slipway, Sandown, to an imaginary line at 90 degrees from a point 100 metres north of the slipway at the Car Park, Yaverland.

DOGS ON LEADS

Throughout the year, no person in charge of a dog, other than a registered blind person, shall permit a dog to be on any road, including esplanades and revetments, unless the dog is held on a lead and is restrained from behaviour giving reasonable grounds for annoyance.

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this information, no responsibility can be accepted for any changes which may subsequently occur.

Booklets are available from all Island Tourist Offices or contact Isle of Wight Tourism on (01983) 813800

For more information on how to be a responsible dog owner click here.