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Should dogs be banned from Prestwick beach?

8 September

Should dogs be banned from Prestwick beach?

That’s the question being asked by South Ayrshire Council just now as they carry out their Dog Fouling Survey.

There’s no doubt that doggy dirt is unpleasant and unhealthy, and generates one of the highest levels of complaints received by the council.

But plenty of dog owners are responsible, and scoop their pet’s poop to dispose of properly. Those who don’t can be hit with a £40 spot penalty or even referred to the procurator fiscal.

The council has issued its Dog Walkers’ Charter, which sets out the responsibilities of dog owners and walkers. It also pledges to provide free dog bags, adequate red and black dog bins, and signs to remind owners not to let their dogs foul.

The next stage, it says, is to consult on a possible ban in school grounds, children's play areas, sports and playing fields, cemeteries, golf courses and designated bathing beaches. That survey is here.

So what do you think? Is a beach ban a good idea, or is it unfair on responsible walkers? Perhaps you think that a doggy ban in some of these places is the right thing to do, but that others are a step too far.

Please have your say below. We’ll make sure the council is made aware of the opinions expressed here.


9 September | 11:19:49

MARTINE DUNLOP says

How ridiculous to want to ban dogs from the beach! I am a responsible dog owner, I clean after my dog. When the beach is busy I make sure my dog is on the lead as I don't want him to upset people.... Dogs dirt is not the only problem, what about broken bottles and litter? I am on the beach most days with my dog and for most of the year the only people you see are dog walkers...It would really be a shame to stop them using the beach, don't you think?  I agree that dogs shouldn't be allowed in school grounds & in children's areas. Best thing is to try to fine these people who never bother picking up after their dogs ... If we really try we can all live in harmony

10 September | 3:28:54

Jack Wilson says

Total agreement with Ms Dunlop. The easy way is so often taken by authorities to ban everyone from doing things to deal with the minority who are careless offensive rogues. Firstly the authority should make sure the provision of green bags in their offices is continuous all year. If the "warden" has only issued 16 notices in over a year the authority wants to look at itself and its employees. Get a good few of the evil doers who leave poop on parks and pavements and fine them hard then see if things improve.

If dogs are banned from all sorts of places then the owners will be forced to have their dogs "perform" in streets etc and perhaps the situation will be made worse.

30 September | 9:21:11

Stefan Lomako says

Most dog walkers are responsible people who clean up their dog mess. Legislation already exists to punish offenders and should be used instead of the easy option to ban dogs from the foreshore. I suggest that ,if appropriate, the authorities should take a  good look at the laws concerning recreation on the beach. They could open a large can of  legal worms if they attempt to ban dogwalkers.

Keep after the irresponsible minority,that also includes the litter louts and broken glass brigade,  and  I'm confident the message will soon get through.

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