I AM writing in response to the letter in the Dorset Echo entitled as above, calling for a blanket ban of dogs on all beaches for all of the year.

I understand the frustration of the café proprietor and many others, including myself, as to the persistent flouting of the dog mess rules which are designed to protect us all from the unpleasantness and health issues present when irresponsible owners just will not pick up.

There should be a zero tolerance approach, quite rightly so. As a dog owner myself, it irritates me intensely too.

However, the answer is not to ban all dogs on all beaches forever; people who flout the law regarding dog mess will continue to ignore this law too.

The majority of dog owners are responsible and considerate members of the community. We cannot penalise everybody for the minority who refuse to co-operate – it’s about as just as saying that we’ll ban everyone from driving because a few will always speed, use mobile phones or drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol. I walk my dogs regularly in various parts of Weymouth, so I’m out a lot and I’ve never actually seen an owner who permitted their dog to foul and then walked away. I would certainly challenge them if I did.

The point I’m making is that these persistent offenders are obviously well aware that what they are doing is wrong and take pains to ensure no-one is looking.

Yes – let’s have more prosecutions if the offenders can be tracked down – in the meantime, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater and spoil what is a most enjoyable and sociable way of life for the majority of law abiding dog owners; not only for residents of Weymouth but also for our many and welcome visitors.

Fiona Needham

Dorchester Road

Weymouth