THOUSANDS of dog owners staged a walking protest over proposals that would see pets banned on beaches between Rhos-on-Sea and Colwyn Bay.
More than 2,300 people flocked to the mass walk on Sunday, September 10. Dog lovers met at Rhos-on-Sea tourist information centre and walked to the truncated pier in Colwyn Bay Colwyn Bay.
Placards were held up which read 'Black Labs Matter'; 'Down with this sort of thing' and 'Save Our Dog Beach Walks!'
The protest was staged after Conwy County Borough Council revealed it is looking to extend a current 'Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order' for the county [that expires next month] and add three new areas - the dry beach between Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea, Rhos Point to the Promenade Access Point in line with College Avenue and Penmachno Playing Field.
Aaron Haggas, a dog walker from Rhos on Sea, organised the walk 'in objection to the council's dog ban proposal'.
The 45-year-old was incredibly moved by the turn out.
He said: "I thought there would be anywhere between nine and 90 people.
"It was amazing, some people were queuing to join us. When I saw the amount of people, I was overwhelmed. Someone said to me that when all these people came from around the corner, my face was priceless. My hand was over my mouth and my nerves just went out of the window.
"We had 2,316 people join us for the walk. I was hoping to do a headcount but thankfully a councillor had the foresight to utilise an attendance clicker app on their phone, so we recorded everyone joining our walk.
"Everyone was in good spirits, there was no anger. Everyone was really enthusiastic and really positive. There was a lot more than anticipated especially at such short notice [Aaron only put word out about the event on social media last Thursday].
"There were some brilliant banners and notices on display. The discussion between everyone, about how we can continue to have a diverse community where dogs would continue to be welcome, was constructive and positive. The general attitude towards the council and its proposal was disappointment, frustration and a lack of empathy.
"We think whoever is behind this proposal, they are not quite in touch with the community.
"Surely a council engaged with its community would have understood that such a proposal would have a negative effect."
Before the walk began, Aaron gave a short talk.
"I didn't say too much. I put a bit of a script together," Aaron said.
"It was just remarkable, the support. People were clapping all the time.
"Darren Millar [MS for Clwyd West] attended and it was refreshing - he wasn't attacking the council etc, he was just saying 'this isn't a good idea' and talking to dog owners about their feelings."
🪧 Joined more than 2,000 people today to protest to against Conwy's unnecessary and Draconian proposals to ban dogs from 2 miles of beach in Rhos-on-Sea and Colwyn Bay.
— Darren Millar MS 🏴 (@DarrenMillarMS) September 10, 2023
🐕 Read more about my views here 👇https://t.co/dXW3xaEGI3#NorthWales#Community pic.twitter.com/8D3ARssMjz
Councillors Jo Nuttal, Neil Coverely and Gareth Jones also attended.
Aaron said: "This was appreciated as we want our elected officials to understand how we feel, not just through emails and surveys but through actual personal engagement."
Aaron spoke to dog owners; one person revealed how their dog was important to their quality of life.
Aaron said: "They told me that their wife was undergoing extensive cancer treatment and that the opportunity to enjoy the beach with their dog was helping their wife continue with life during this tough time. A number of people stated that they could not go far afield as they do not have the correct form of transport or the physical ability. Dog walking is clearly a very positive way that people manage their mental health and face serious illness.
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"We also had a number of attendees undertake a litter collection of their own volition."
Aaron is hoping the next stage will be an open meeting with the council / councillors.
Conwy County Borough Council has launched a consultation on the control of dogs in public places. The current Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) 2020 is in place until October 2023, when the proposed new draft Order would come into force.
The current Order includes:
Dog Exclusion Zones (e.g. beaches, playing fields)
Dog Fouling and means to pick up
Dogs on Leads
Dogs on Leads when asked by an authorised officer
Cllr Emily Owen, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: "Proposed Public Space Protection Orders and dog fouling are topics that regularly come up in most councillors’ inboxes. These Dog Control Orders aim to create a balance for dog owners and people who don’t have dogs to be able to enjoy public spaces.
"Our aim is to prevent the small number of irresponsible dog owners from allowing their dogs to foul, stray, and be out of control in a public place – thereby keeping everyone, including animals, safe.
Aaron is encouraging all dog owners to take part in the consultation.
The Public Space Protection Order, the proposed changes, maps and response form are available to view on the council’s website at www.conwy.gov.uk/pspo2023
The closing date for comments is October 4 2023.
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