DOGS face being permanently banned from a section of Bournemouth beach under controversial proposals.

The plans have been met with protests from dog owners who claim it is "victimisation".

At the moment dogs are excluded from the beach between May 1 and September 30 except at certain designated areas at Alum Chine, Durley Chine and Fisherman's Walk through to Hengistbury Head.

But Bournemouth Borough Council starts an informal consultation next Friday which could see the dog-free areas of the beach extended in the summer months and dogs barred completely from the main part of Bournemouth beach all year round.

Dog hotelier Marjorie Titchen, whose family walk her four dogs on Southbourne beach most days of the week, described the proposals as "victimisation against dogs and their owners".

She added: "They are not consulting. They have already made up their minds. Also the guests come here and bring their dogs. If they extend it down here, I could sue for loss of business."

Dog owner Jane McInnes who runs the Bournemouth Pet Search said: "The by-laws seem to have worked all right as they are. It's up to Bournemouth Council to make sure dog owners clear up after their animals."

Andrew Emery, service development officer at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: "This is not about banning dogs on the whole of Bournemouth beach, but is simply looking to refine the existing dog restrictions through public consultation.

"With the introduction of the new Act, we will be undertaking a consultation exercise from October 3 to November 14 to find out which of the proposals the public would like to see implemented and we hope people will use this as an opportunity to have their say," he added.

East Southbourne and Tuckton councillor Eddie Coope said: "There have been problems with dogs on the beach and along the Prom. People come down to the beach for the day and don't want to leave their dogs in the car, but we have got to think of health and safety.

"And also when the surf reef is up and running, obviously we will want a total ban on the beach where the surf reef is."

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, cabinet member for economy and tourism reassured dog lovers that there was "no plans to ban dogs on the beach".

She added: "There is a proposal to extend the area slightly in a couple of places - those areas that are heavily populated by families. People have to learn to share space."

The options are:

  • 1 - keep things as they are.
  • 2 - dogs would have to be kept on a lead on promenades and cliff paths all year round rather than just the summer months. The season beach dog ban would be extended from groyne four to groyne 3 at Alum Chine; at Fisherman's Walk from groyne 32 to groyne 35a just past the last run of beach huts at Gordon's Zig Zag and extended at Southbourne from groyne 42 westwards to groyne 41 and from groyne 44 eastwards to groyne 46.
  • 3 - A year-round dog ban would apply between groyne 10 opposite Happylands and groyne 12 by the red gate at the Bournemouth end of the Undercliff Drive car park.

People can get copies of the proposals and questionnaires from Bournemouth Beach Office or by emailing bournemouth.seafront@bournemouth.gov.uk