Restrictions for Dogs and their owners

It's that time of year again.  You are really enjoying the milder weather and walking your dog becomes a positive pleasure as you don't have to put on your winter coats and wellies.   But, if you live anywhere near the coast, you may have to take a different route altogether as your beach may be closed to you and your dog.

Many local councils apply restrictions to dogs using beaches during the summer months and this leaves many people angry and frustrated.

Councillors at Perranporth, near Truro in Cornwall, have agreed to restrictions on some of the most popular beaches in the area.  Dog owners will be obliged to keep their dogs on a lead between 10am and 5pm during July and August.  This has led to angry letters and e-mails from more than 1,000 people.

Pet owners from Parrog in Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, have staged a dog walk protest as their town council have banned dogs from some beaches during the summer months.

As this is only a request for dogs to be kept on leads during certain times, it is not surprising that feelings are running high in many areas where a complete ban has been implemented.

Of course, it isn't just the coast where you may find yourself and your dog in a 'no-go' area as more and more parks and public areas seem to be banning dogs.  It is annoying for any responsible dog owner to be treated this way as it is the minority who don't clean up after their animals who spoil it for us.  I always carry extra bags with me and hand them to people who don't pick up after their dogs and if I see a pile of poo in the middle of a path, I will pick it up myself.  No-one wants to walk in dog poo, do they?  If only there were sufficient bins around to put the bags in.........  now don't get me started on that one!

What do you think?  Do you appreciate that some areas are out of bounds for you and your dog, or do you think you should be able to walk your dog wherever and whenever you want to?