LYME Regis residents are being warned they could face hefty fines if they let their dogs on the beach or do not clean up after they foul.
LYME Regis residents are being warned they could face hefty fines if they let their dogs on the beach or do not clean up after they foul.
Town enforcement officer Chris Mitchell said people could be fined a maximum of �1,000 and receive a criminal record if they continue to flout the regulations.
He said he had issued four fixed penalty notices to residents in less than a month for the offences of dog fouling and letting dogs off leads.
He said: "Those who believe that they can escape detection by an early morning visit to Front Beach or Cart Road to let their dog off the lead could well receive an unpleasant surprise.
"I am empowered by West Dorset District Council to issue fixed penalties of �75. However, owners who continue to flout the regulations can actually be prosecuted and fined a maximum of �1,000 plus incurring the stigma of a criminal record."
The warning comes after Mr Mitchell cleaned up over 100 piles of dog mess in the town.
He said the extended exclusion period had been a success on the main beach but dog fouling was particularly bad on Monmouth Beach, followed by Church Cliff Beach.
Mr Mitchell said: "I am disappointed in the reaction of a few residents to the new dog control orders, which were introduced by WDDC only after public consultation had indicated a majority of residents in favour of the proposed measures.
"Reassuringly, the Town Council has received letters of support for the orders, including from dog owners, and some from outside the town.
"Lyme Regis is a beautiful place to live, work and visit and your co-operation in keeping it that way would be very much appreciated. Please pick up after your dog."
He added improved signage in the town had helped reinforced the message that the regulations had changed.
Dogs should be on leads on the whole of Front Beach between November 1 and March 31, and are excluded completely from April 1 until October 21.
Residents can inform Mr Mitchell of regular dog fouling areas on (01297) 445175 or email enforcement@o2mail.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here