Dog fouling
All public and private land to which the public has free access has been designated, under the Public Space ProtectionOrders, as areas where dog owners must clean up after their pet,
‘Land’ includes all public footpath, carriageways and land running alongside except where a speed limit of more than 40mph operates.
Fines of up to £1000 can be imposed.
The council campaign 'NO MESSING!', aims to tackle dog fouling and irresponsible dog owners using engagement, enforcement and education.
A strict approach will be taken to issuing £100 fixed penalty notices to anyone seen failing to pick up after their dog.
Stray dogs
If your dog strays the Dog Warden will (on the first occasion) try to return the dog directly to you.
If the dog has no identification or the owner is not at home, the dog is taken to:
Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter
Claremont Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4NL
Telephone: 0191 232 2878
An initial fee is charged on the first day plus a daily boarding charge is added per day after that.
Payment will be required from you when reclaiming your dog. Dogs must be reclaimed within 7 days.
Reclaiming times are Monday to Sunday 8.45am to 6.45pm.
Exercising your dog in public areas
Dog owners must exercise their dogs in a responsible manner.
You must:
- clean up after your dog
- keep your dog under control close to roads and in parks
- keep your dog on a lead in cemeteries and on designated promenades
- make sure your dog is wearing a name tag that identifies you as its owner
- make sure your dog is chipped and chip details are up to date
'Keep Dogs on Leads' signs are displayed in all areas that these rules apply.
Dog beach bans
We ask that you follow the annual summer beach restrictions, as designated under Public Space Protection Orders, which run from May 1 to September 30 at the following locations:
- Whitley Bay (south)
- Cullercoats Bay
- King Edwards
- Tynemouth Longsands (south)
Signs are displayed at every location and breaking the law could lead to prosecution.
Dogs can be walked on the section of Whitley Bay beach north of Panama Gardens and at the northern end of Tynemouth Longsands, towards Cullercoats.
Dog identification
Under the Animal Health Act a dog must wear the correct identity when in a public place.
The correct identity must show the owner's name and address (optional - mobile phone number). Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to £5000.
Public Space Protection Orders
Dangerous dogs
It’s against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, such as:
- in a public place
- in a private place (for example, a neighbour’s house or garden)
- in the owner’s home
The law applies to all dogs. Your dog is considered dangerously out of control if it:
- injures someone
- makes someone worried that it might injure them
You can report a dangerous dog by calling the police. Their non-emergency number is 101.