THOUSANDS of people have signed petitions, demanding the right to walk their dogs, after the Isle of Wight Council published rules banning pets from cemeteries, beaches and playgrounds.

Two petitions, one with more than 6,150 signatures and the other with just over 400, have been launched following the publication of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) which aim to prevent anti-social behaviour such as dog fouling or taking dogs on the beach.

The council published a notice last week, stating its intention to launch a public consultation.

Read more: Rules banning dogs from cemeteries, beaches and playgrounds published by Isle of Wight Council

As a rule, the council will consider all petitions with more than 2,500 signatures, and may debate them at full council meetings.

One of the petitions was started by dog-owner Amber Taylor-Wilcox, of East Cowes, who has asked residents and tourists to sign it and ensure the Island remains dog-friendly.

She said: "I am absolutely overwhelmed at the response we have had. The comments are all echoing how we, as the public, do not want our dogs penalised for the minority of poor dog owners.

"It really worries me, the isolation that may occur if the act comes into play —  with people being unable to visit loved ones grave with their dog, a close family member.

"Dogs offer an amazing amount of emotional support and it can be the highlight of the day meeting up with other like minded people and their dogs.

"I believe our tourism and businesses will be greatly affected also — we are a dog friendly Island, let us keep that amazing title."

The proposed PSPOs include banning dogs from 49 Island cemeteries, playgrounds and beaches — and Medina College in Newport. Dogs must remain on their lead at 37 areas including Wootton Recreation Ground, St Helen's Duver and Prince's Green, Cowes.

PSPOs will replace powers set out in already existing legislation, such as Dog Control Orders (DCOs).

A six-week consultation has been proposed, following which the orders could come into force in May.

UPDATE: The Isle of Wight Council said today (Monday) the proposed PSPOs did not include banning dogs from all Island beaches all year round - only certain beaches during the summer months.

Cllr Tig Outlaw, cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said many of the orders already existed under current legislation.

He did not specify which orders were new and which already exist — an issue the council has been asked to clarify.

He did, however, say the proposal to ban dogs from cemeteries was new.


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