Folkestone and Hythe Council’s recent dog bans were introduced after a consultation that only 244 people responded to, despite affecting thousands across more than 150 sites. We’re asking for a fair consultation where all 50,000 households receive a postal survey and have their say.

For years, the Coastal Park has been one of the few safe spaces where dogs could run free. With the new restrictions, the main off-lead section left is the part with a road running through it. This penalises responsible dog owners without addressing real problems such as littering or the small number of people who don’t clean up after their dogs.

Folkestone is a dog-friendly town—dogs are welcome in salons, cafés, restaurants and even have their own Instagram accounts. It’s part of what makes our town so special. But with the new bans and the closure of the Warren, there’s now hardly any space left for dogs themselves to enjoy.

This isn’t just about well-behaved dogs having a run. It’s also about accessibility. Elderly or disabled people now struggle to find safe, local spaces to exercise their pets. For many, dog walks are their main chance to see familiar, friendly faces and feel part of the community.

When I first moved here over 13 years ago, I knew no one. It was through dog walking that I met people of all ages and walks of life, eventually making the decision to move my business from London to Folkestone and employ local people. Dog walking builds connection, community, and wellbeing.

The Dog Control Public Space Protection Order 2025 came into effect on 1st August after an online consultation that only 244 people responded to. Thousands of local owners have been affected across more than 150 sites, yet most people never knew about the consultation. For something with such a wide impact, this should have been far better publicised.

We are asking Folkestone and Hythe District Council to carry out a fair, transparent consultation—one that is accessible to everyone. Every household in the district (all 50,000 homes) should be sent a postal survey, with the option to reply by post or online, and the chance to add comments. This would be a fairer, more democratic process that truly reflects the views of the whole community.

Other areas have found compromise, such as setting times of day when dogs can be off-lead. We should do the same.

This is about balance, fairness, and protecting what makes our town special.