MORE than 100 dog walkers turned out to a meeting Hamworthy Park to protest at proposed changes in dog restrictions in the area.

The event was organised by Dog Walkers Action Group (DWAG), which formed to fight Borough of Poole's proposals.

The park and beach at Hamworthy are currently unrestricted but the council wants to ban dogs from the children's play area, and make dog owners keep their pets on leads across the park. Dogs would also be banned from the beach, from Western End, to beach hut 97, between May 1 and the end of September.

The measures have been suggested to tackle dog fouling and protect children.

But dog walkers say they would be left with nowhere to exercise their pets, particularly elderly residents without transport.

Kelly Squibb, one of four leading members of DWAG, said: "You can't exercise a dog properly with a lead on. Really that's cruelty to animals."

She added the group had suggested alternatives including signs to encourage people to pick up after their pets and a fenced football area for children.

"We've got a lot of support," she added. "And we're going to fight this."

Sarah Stevenson, of Lulworth Avenue, said: "There had been a problem with mess, but they are allowing the minority to spoil it for majority."

Other residents are keen to see action taken. Mary Wisken, of Hamworthy, said the park had become a "dogs' toilet and a health hazard" and she was continually jumped on by dogs and had even been bitten in the lip.

She said: "There is no longer pleasure in walking in the park."

Clive Smith, head of leisure services, Borough of Poole, said the dog control orders would offer greater enforcement methods to officers, including fixed penalty notices up to £75.They were proposed in the interest of children's safety and to tackle dog fouling.

He added: "Working with local users of the park we are aspiring to achieve blue flag status at Hamworthy beach. To achieve this part of the beach would have to be dog free, which is why we are using this opportunity to consult with residents."

The consultation period closes on April 10 when the council will assess responses.