Eastbourne has local Dog Control Orders to promote responsible dog ownership.
Any person who commits an offence is liable to prosecution or a fixed penalty fine of £75. There are exemptions for registered blind people with guide dogs.
You can download this advice in PDF format below, or use our online form to order a printed colour leaflet.
New Local Dog Control Order
This new Dog Control Order allows designated officers to instruct dog owners to put and keep their dogs on a lead if they feel there are reasonable grounds to do so.
This would be, for example, if a dog is acting aggressively or causing a nuisance to other people in the vicinity.
This order applies to all areas in Eastbourne which are not already covered by the dog ban or dogs on leads orders.
The new order covers all roads, footpaths, verges, walkways, passageways, parks and gardens (including the wooded area of Hampden Park), recreation and sports grounds, open amenity areas including the downland estate, surface area car parks, beaches and promenades.
Applies Only When Instructed by an Authorised Officer
This order does not mean that dogs must be kept on leads in all these areas, only if it is decided by a person authorised by the council that there are sufficient reasons to do so in individual circumstances.
The offence under this order applies when someone responsible for a dog fails to put and keep it on a lead after being instructed to do so.
The Dog Control Orders in Eastbourne came into effect from Monday 14 April 2008.
These Dog Control Orders only apply in Eastbourne. Contact your local district or city council if you are outside Eastbourne.
You can find general information about Dog Control Orders and an advice leaflet Control of Dogs, The Law and You on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website using the link from this page.
