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An end to the beach dog ban is nearing, but are humans causing more harm to beaches than dogs?

During the busy summer months, Weymouth’s picturesque beach is crammed with both locals and tourists, some of whom seem to leave behind their waste.

One of the few reasons as to why it is thought the ban has been put into place is due to the possibility of the dog faeces ruining the blue flag status. People also seem to be wary of dogs around their children.

Previously named as having the best beach in the UK, Weymouth has slowly slipped out of the tables. According to Countryfile, Durdle Door has taken the number one spot this year, at which dogs are allowed all year round.

When schools go back after the summer holidays, the beach becomes less popular and people tend to stay away, at this point why aren’t dogs allowed back.

Surely people pose more of a threat than dogs, they drop plastic, which will inevitably end up in the ocean, broken glass is shattered across the shore which is worse than a dog running about and enjoying itself.

The town council is set to ask the unitary council to amend the order to only ban dogs from beaches from May 1st to the end of September, instead of the current Good Friday until the end of October ban.

Perhaps if measures were put in place, forcing pet owners to assure they clean up after their beloved animals, the ban could be removed altogether.

There is also an issue regarding tourists who want to bring their pets to the beach and although there are alternative places to walk, the beach is a key attraction for the Dorset town.

Surely some form of compromise could be made whether there’s a time limit on the current ban and dogs are allowed at certain times, the ban ends up shortened or even scrapped altogether.

By Hollie Carr