Life a beach for dogs

• Beach bans lifted – 27 per cent of UK beaches will reopen to dogs this month
• Pet owners in Wales will notice the biggest difference as half of their beaches had summer restrictions on dogs in place
• Just one in 25 beaches on the UK coastline has a full-year ban on dogs
   

October gives cause for celebration for dog owners, as over a quarter (27 per cent) of UK beaches lift seasonal restrictions and invite dogs back onto the pebbles and sand, reveals new analysis¹ from Direct Line Pet Insurance.

Dogs will be allowed on the majority (96 per cent) of the UK’s beaches from October through to Spring next year, with the remaining four per cent enforcing year-round bans. Of the beaches which enforce seasonal bans, most restrictions are lifted from 1^st October.

In most areas, owners can now take their dogs on coastal walks without worrying about dog ban fines which, during the summer months, average £393, with a maximum penalty of £1,000.

Dog owners in Wales will notice the biggest difference, as half of their beaches (50 per cent) had summer restrictions on dogs in place. While Scotland’s beaches were the most welcoming to pets during the summer season, with only ten per cent having a seasonal ban in place.

 Table One: Regional breakdown of dog restrictions on beaches

Source: Direct Line Pet Insurance 2018

Despite the easing of restrictions, owners still have responsibilities when taking their dogs to the beach. Owners must make sure they clean up after their dogs and be in control of the pet whilst on the beach. Owners also have a duty to remain vigilant of other beach users and make sure that their dogs are not causing unwanted distress. Penalties for failing to comply vary between £50 - £80 but can rise up to £1,000.

Prit Powar, Head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line commented: “Even though owners can now bring their dogs back on most beaches, it’s important to be respectful of other visitors. Not all beach users are comfortable around dogs, so owners must ensure their pets are under control and well-behaved.

“It is also important to note that October is in the midst of autumn, which translates to tidal changes and rougher sea waters, so owners need to be extra mindful of their dogs’ whereabouts around the water. Many dogs love the beach, but safety must always be a priority and we advise owners to check if it is safe for their dog to go swimming before letting them off the lead.”

- ENDS -
 

Notes to Editors

¹ 1,386 beaches across 89 Local Councils across the UK were analysed. 19 councils were unable to provide usable data.

For further information please contact:

Olivia Thwaites
Direct Line Group
Tel: 01651 832 145
Email: olivia.thwaites@directlinegroup.co.uk
 

Nick Andrews
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
nick.andrews@citigatedewerogerson.com
0207 282 1050

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com/pet-cover