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The simple matter of whether or not your dog can walk on a beach may not seem like a big issue to most, but for one Devon community it has prompted years of anger, frustration, furious exchanges and even reports of criminal behaviour.

A code of conduct restricting dogs from the main stretch of beach in Instow, North Devon, caused uproar among many dog owners and even spawned a 'militant' protest group.

For the past two years the issue has pitted some residents against each other, prompted shouting matches at heated parish council meetings and left some locals with serious anxiety issues.

One councillor even had a bin bag of dog poo poured into the roof of his open top sports car.

(Image: James Bell)

But last month Instow's Parish Council finally conceded defeat and admitted that the restrictions were "not possible to enforce".

Controversial signs informing people of the code of conduct were removed earlier this week and the local Dog Walkers Alliance group claimed the move as a victory.

Here we look at the effect this seemingly trivial issue has had on one of Devon's most beautiful villages.

Why were the dog restrictions imposed in the first place?

The decision to introduce dog restrictions was made after Instow Parish Council received complaints from families who had been using the beach.

The council conducted an independent survey of all residents last year asking them their thoughts about dogs on the beach.

The response rate for the survey was 52 per cent, with 74 per cent saying they would welcome dog restrictions during the peak summer months.

The voluntary code of conduct came into force in the summer of 2018.

It restricted dogs to a large area (approximately 75%) of the beach north of lane end road.

The remaining section along Marine Parade was to be dog free from 1st May to 30th September each year.

Although the restrictions were never legally enforceable, the council at the time said they hoped locals and visitors would respect it.

Why was there so much opposition to the restrictions?

(Image: Dog Walkers Alliance)

Despite the vast majority of beaches in Devon having similar restrictions - and the fact that dog walkers still had a large area in which to exercise their pets - the code of conduct at Instow received a huge backlash.

When the issue was first mooted, it prompted dog owner and local campaigner Joanne Bell to form the Dog Walkers Alliance group to campaign against the changes.

Although Joanne does not live in the village, she has walked her dogs there for many years and together their members staged several placard-waving protests on the beach. They even garnered the support of wildlife expert Chris Packham.

The group's main issues with the restrictions were that it was not legally enforceable and that Instow beach is in fact a river bank, known for having some of the worst water quality in Europe.

The group felt this issue meant the beach was not suitable for bathing and was not child-friendly, negating the initial complaints from families who had been using the beach.

Speaking at a protest event in 2017, before the code of conduct was introduced, Joanne told Devon Live: “There are no problems with dogs on the beach.

"We need to stop thinking about Instow beach as a beach and think of it as a river bank.

“I’m outraged by the small minded attitudes of some on Instow Parish Council. Even if we lose we will not obey a ban.”

Were all dog walkers against the restrictions?

No, in fact several thought they were quite a good idea.

Commenting on the North Devon Dogs Facebook group, one owner said: "I’m gonna be controversial here...as you know I am a dog owner.

"While I disagree with a lot of dog bans, I’m not quite sure what all the fuss is about for Instow beach.

"Although I totally agree that the water is disgusting and should not be swam in, I don’t see why during the summer months dogs should be allowed on that section of the beach.

"There is a massive section of the beach that dogs are allowed which stretches right round towards Yelland. Families with small children like to sit on the beach and play in the sand.

"Wouldn’t it be nice to not have dog pee and poop to dig up?"

Another said: "I so agree with you. I also live in Instow and own a dog. As you say there is plenty of beach for all and it is a lovely walk on second sands."

Another commented: "Well said. This is farcical, dog walkers just move up the beach slightly! Why oh why is this such a difficult thing to do?"

What happened next?

Signs were erected along Marine Parade informing people about the code of conduct and telling them where dogs were and weren't allowed.

However, several of these signs didn't last very long - with some being removed and others being vandalised within days of going up.

There were reports of numerous heated exchanges between some residents and dog walkers in the weeks that followed the erection of the signs.

Supporters of the restrictions claimed some dog walkers were deliberately flouting the ban, while some dog walkers claimed they were being "bullied and intimidated" over the matter.

The code of conduct was largely ignored and most days people could be seen walking their dogs within the restricted area.

It was even reported that some businesses in the village had told visitors to ignore the signs as "nothing could be done" to enforce the code of conduct.

The whole issue was described by one resident as "poisonous" and many claimed it had "divided the village".

Why were the restrictions overturned?

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The decision to remove the signs was taken by a unanimous vote of Instow Parish Council at a meeting in September.

It's important to note that the council has not actually overturned the code of conduct, they have just voted in favour of removing the signs - presumably meaning the restrictions will still apply next year unless a further decision is made.

The council, the members of which are now different to the authority that introduced the code of conduct, issued a statement saying: "The signs controlling access to Instow sands for dog owners have been removed.

"It was not possible to enforce the restrictions, which served as an irritant to both dog owners and those without dogs.

"We trust all can use the beach together and ask gently that dogs are kept under control at all times."

So what happens next?

Being outside the high season, the restrictions were not due to be in place again until May 1, 2020 - so until that time dogs are allowed on all areas of the beach.

As the council voted only to remove the signage relating to the restrictions, rather than overturn the code of conduct altogether, it would mean the ban would once again come into force next summer unless another decision is made in the meantime.

In the background to all this, North Devon Council is in the process of preparing a consultation on its Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).

A PSPO is designed to deal with a particular nuisance in a particular area that is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life for those in the local community.

It can prohibit certain things or require specific things to be done and is often used in relation to dog mess.

Jeremy Mann, North Devon Council's head of service for environmental health, said: “At the moment our Public Space Protection Orders cover an owners responsibility to pick up after their dog fouling. This applies to any areas across the district not just to beaches.

“We want our residents and visitors to the area to be able to get out there and enjoy all that the district has to offer and not be restricted unnecessarily so we are considering new PSPOs for the future giving new powers to landowners.

“Before any changes to PSPOs can be made for the district a consultation will take place lasting at least six weeks, providing the opportunity to get public opinion on suggestions which can then be considered against proposals.”

Why are dogs banned from other Devon beaches?

(Image: Magic Pawlowski)

Devon is known throughout the country for its wonderful coastline and particularly the stunning beaches that attract tens of thousands to the area every year.

To those of us who don't own a dog, the issue of whether or not your four-legged friend can accompany you on the golden sands may not seem like a big deal - but believe me, to some people it's huge.

If you search "Devon beaches dogs" in Google you will be greeted by an array of articles on holiday websites designed to inform pet owners about the dog-friendly beaches.

The fact people carry out such research and book holidays based on the results is telling.

The vast majority of Devon's beaches run a simple seasonal system:

In high season, from May to September, dogs are restricted to certain areas or not permitted at all

In low season, from October to the end of April, dogs are free on any part of the beach

There are obviously some exceptions - some beaches allow dogs all year round while others operate strict bans.

There are several reasons why dogs are restricted from our beaches - the number one cause being poo.

Meat-based dog mess can cause the risk of toxicara in humans and can also affect water quality, which could threaten the Blue Flag status of a beach.

It's also true that not everyone likes dogs. While pooches hurtling over the sand to retrieve balls or frisbees might seem like the perfect afternoon to some, others - particularly children visiting during summer months - might find this threatening or a nuisance.

As a result, the more popular beaches tend to operate seasonal restrictions which come into force during the busier months of the year.