Torbay’s beaches should be welcoming and accessible while protecting the enjoyment of all beach users.

We believe the current blanket seasonal restrictions could be replaced with a fairer system that distinguishes between responsible dog ownership and irresponsible behaviour.

A time-based approach would maintain a dog-free environment between 10am and 6pm, when beaches are generally at their busiest, while allowing residents and visitors to walk their dogs during quieter mornings and evenings.

This could also benefit people who rely heavily on a dog for companionship, wellbeing or independence, but whose dog may not fall within existing assistance-dog exemptions.

Greater access could also support Torbay’s tourism economy. Torbay could become a more attractive destination for visitors travelling with dogs, while still providing predictable dog-free hours for families, swimmers and other beach users.

Opening more beaches during quieter hours may also help reduce pressure on beaches that currently permit dogs throughout the summer, such as North Goodrington.

Most importantly, we believe enforcement should focus on the behaviours that cause problems. Dog fouling and irresponsible control should be dealt with through appropriate PSPO conditions and enforcement, rather than responsible owners being excluded from beaches for the entire day.

Protect peak beach hours. Open our beaches at quieter times. Enforce irresponsible behaviour. Welcome responsible dog owners.

This ePetition runs from 17/09/2026 to 31/12/2026.

19 people have signed this ePetition.