THE recurrent issue of dog mess on Weymouth beach is one that needs to be tackled in a decisive way by our council.
There must be literally scores, if not hundreds, of incidents of dogs being allowed to foul on the beach every day of the year, without the mess being picked up.
I appreciate that a large number of owners are responsible and obey the law, but a significant number of owners are not and never will be. From my position at Overcombe corner sadly we see this happening far too often.
Remonstrating with the people concerned has little or no effect, and our attempts to secure help from the council have not improved the situation.
I am led to believe (willing to be corrected) that there have been only two prosecutions for dog fouling in the whole borough in the last five years. If this is true, what is the point of paying a dog warden?
The system is not working and this is a major health hazard. Children and their families come to the beach - it remains Weymouth’s major asset.
I understand that dogs are not permitted on certain beaches in the country at any time of year and sadly, in my view, that is the only solution that will work here.
I appreciate that this penalises law abiding owners, but there are too many who flout the law and this is a problem that will never go away until the rules are changed.
Dogs should be banned from the whole length of Weymouth beach, from the Pavilion to Bowleaze, for the whole year.
This may seem draconian, but there are plenty of other places where dogs can be exercised.
Paul Cocks
Proprietor Cafe Oasis
Overcombe Corner
Weymouth
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