With around 15.5 million pet dogs living in UK homes, the beach is a popular place for owners to walk their furry friends. However, over time, many beaches have chosen to ban dogs from either sections or the whole of the beach, meaning that dog-walkers and owners are having to look elsewhere. Some beaches have enforced time restrictions, where dogs are only allowed on the beach at quieter times, while others have introduced an all-out ban. However, some people say all these different rules in different parts of the country can be confusing and difficult to stick to. Some people think dogs shouldn’t be allowed on beaches for cleanliness reasons, while others think the rules are unfair. What do you think? Should dogs be banned from beaches?
Yes – they should be banned from beaches
When dogs are allowed on beaches, they can affect both the local environment and the experience of human beings. Dog poo on the beach is dangerous for swimmers – scientists say that even one gram of dog poo in a large swimming pool is a health risk. Research also shows that 17% of people feel uncomfortable being near dogs. People, including children, should be able to visit the beach without feeling nervous. Dogs running around on beaches can frighten people who are scared of dogs but they can scare wildlife too; a study in Spain showed that more than half of coastal bird disturbances involve a dog. Beaches are precious habitats that should be protected, which means dogs shouldn’t be allowed.
No – they should be allowed
It is unfair to stop people with dogs from using beaches – they have as much right to go there as anyone else. Besides, it isn’t just dog owners who create mess on beaches – more than 603,000 pieces of rubbish were removed from UK beaches in 2025. It’s true that dog poo on beaches is unpleasant, but many places are already doing something about it. In Hastings, a seaside town in East Sussex, dog owners can be fined up to £100 if they are caught walking their dogs without carrying any poo bags. Research shows that 87% of beaches in England are rated either good or excellent for water quality. If people want clean beaches, they should focus on human behaviour, instead of dogs.
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