We are requesting that SBC overturn their decision on bringing in the seasonal restrictions for dogs on beaches until social distancing relaxes.

By bringing this ban in on 1st May it will restrict places where dogs can be walked and push more dog walkers together into the same limited space.  Whilst dogs cannot pass the Coronavirus on, their fur could, just like human hands, carry the virus from one person to another - see RSPCA info https://bit.ly/2QJE6lS

On Friday, 17 April 2020 Cllr Tony Randerson stated that “a relaxation of the bans would have to be subject to a very lengthy public consultation and decision making process. This would not give us the time or flexibility to react to any easing of social distancing measures that could see our beaches suddenly become busy again.”

However in these unprecedented times we have all witnessed many more regulations being changed or overturned in a very short space of time. We are asking that SBC takes a more common sense approach on behalf of all of their residents.  Moving dog walkers off the beaches could also impact negatively on social distancing with non dog walkers.

This ban is from Friday 1 May up to and including Wednesday 30 September. This ban covers the main sections of beach at Scarborough South Bay and North Bay, Whitby West Cliff and Tate Hill, Filey and Sandsend.