Enforcement officers are stepping up patrols and offenders risk �80 fine

ENFORCEMENT officers are stepping up their efforts to collar dog owners who continue to ignore the summer beach ban at Seaton.

A spokesman for East Devon District Council said people are ignoring signs and taking pets into no-go areas despite the threat of an �80 fine.

He said: “Just one month into the summer dog beach ban and dog walkers appear to have short memories.

“Complaints over the bank holiday weekend allege that dog walkers are simply ignoring signs on Seaton and Exmouth beaches.”

Now the council has issued a reminder to residents and visitors that during the summer months the beaches in Seaton, Beer, Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth have both areas where dog walkers can enjoy exercising their pets and areas where people should be able to enjoy dog free beaches.

The restricted areas are clearly signed and visitors who are not sure are strongly advised to check the signs before taking their dogs onto the beach.

Both uniformed and plain clothes enforcement officers will be stepping up beach patrols from today (Wednesday June 1) and anyone responsible for a dog found within the dog-free area will be served with a fixed penalty notice.