WHAT DID YOU THINK?
THE beach ban for dogs has divided readers’ opinions – some of you think it is a good idea, while others think it’s barking. The divisive issue has certainly got readers talking. While almost three quarters of people voted on a Chronicle Live online poll to say they thought it was right for dogs to be banned from some beaches, hundreds of comments were left discussing the merits of the policy. Issues included people being scared of dogs, how it could be enforced, and lots and lots of talk about dog poo. Ian Watson said that the responsibility lay with the owners, writing: “If people are worried about any dog mess, then that’s the owners fault not the dog’s. “Good dog owners will always clean up after their dogs regardless of where they are. And bad dog owners need to be educated and fined for leaving any mess behind.” Jean Fletcher wrote: “There wouldn’t be a problem if dog owners cleaned up after their pooches. Seems a shame that doggie family members have to miss out.” Lots of people felt that other litter was a greater problem on the region’s beaches, as opposed to the dog muck. Mhairi Derby-Pitt said: “No, no and no. My dogs are clean and orderly and I pick up after them, I can’t say the same for all parents.” Paul Davis added: “If we’re banning dogs can we ban children too?” However, even some dog owners thought the ban was a good idea. Rich Endean wrote: “As a dog owner, the summer ban on certain beaches is a bit of a pain, but totally understandable and sensible. “There’s still plenty of beaches that don’t have the ban, so it keeps this one (and us) happy.” Another to speak out in favour of the ban was dog owner Sam McLean, who added: “Yes I think that’s not an unreasonable thing to ask. There’s plenty of places to walk a dog and plenty of beach to share into sections. “Some children (and adults) don’t know how to behave comfortably with dogs and some dog owners don’t know how to have their dogs behave around lots of people. Plenty of people also suggested the ban unfairly hit responsible owners who do pick up their dogs’ mess, with Barry Oliver saying: “All the ban does is stop genuine dog walkers from enjoying the beach.” Janine Jordan added: “If dog owners are responsible there should be no issue... unfortunately there are so many that aren’t, things like this have to be put into place. At the same time though, I’d rather see a dog on a lead than a drunken moron.” Other people sympathetic to the ban included Michael Dunbar, who commented: “I understand the ban when the beaches are busy, but also welcome responsible owners and their dogs at other times. “Dogs should always be on a lead in public as not everyone likes dogs approaching them.” However, even some people who don’t have dogs disagreed with the policy. Amina Mohamed wrote: “I don’t own a dog, but I find it very sad that some beaches hold a ban for dogs. “People love their animals as much as their children. A family day out includes the dog.” Another topic of discussion was how the councils would police the bans. Pat Huart said: “Most beaches in Northumberland [are] dog friendly all year. “Still get irresponsible owners not picking up though. “I’ve been to lots of beaches where the ban is in place and seen people on with their dogs. Never yet seen anyone pulled up about it.” Suggesting ways the policy could be improved, John Reece wrote: “Should have a timezone for dogs on beaches, like before 9am and after 7pm when they’re not as busy.” Coral Anderson added: “Seaburn Beach has the right idea. Part of the Beach is cordoned off by the Life Guards during the Summer months. “Plenty of signs to make you aware of where the dogs can go. Humans and dogs enjoying the beach alongside each other without either interacting. Brilliant idea.”