Dog walking areas

Dog Control Orders (DCO)

For safety, and to ensure people can enjoy our public spaces, there are many places where dogs must be on a lead or are banned altogether. These are called Dog Control Orders (DCO).

What if you ignore a DCO?

You can be fined:

• £80 on the spot (a Fixed Penalty Notice)
• up to £1,000 if it goes to court

Only owners of guide dogs are exempt.

Where you must keep your dog on a lead

General rules

Your dog must be on a lead in:

• all cemeteries
• promenades and roads alongside beaches where a seasonal dog ban is in place

Folkestone

• The Leas
• Kingsnorth Gardens
• Cheriton Sports ground
• Bowling greens and tennis courts at Wear Bay Road

Hawkinge

• The Street football pitches

Lympne

• Village hall playing field
• Trim Trail

New Romney

• St. Martin's Field
• New Romney sports field
• The Flagstaff land

Littlestone

• The Greens

Certain people can direct you to put your dog on a lead

You must put your dog on a lead if told to by either:

• a police officer
• a police community support officer
• or someone from the council

If you refuse you may be fined.

Where dogs are banned

These places are dog-free at all times:

• all children's play areas
• Folkestone Harbour fountain

Seasonal dog restrictions

Certain beaches are dog-free from 1 May to 30 September. Use the button below to find out the stretches of beach where these restrictions apply.

Seasonal dog restrictions