A PETITION has been launched by frustrated dog owners over a ban on exercising dogs off the lead which is set to be enforced from next month.

The Lyme Regis' Loving Dog Owners, Visitors & Friends Facebook group is asking Dorset Council not to use a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) from January 1 to enforce a new blanket ban on exercising dogs off the lead on certain beaches in the county.

This includes the Front sandy beach at Lyme Regis - which the group believes to be the only safe and accessible beach in the town.

The group will be presenting a 9,000 signature petition to the council signed by both residents and visitors asking for restrictions not to be imposed using the PSPO. The group is also planning an appeal to the Lyme Regis Town Council, as landowners of the sandy beach, should the Dorset Council decline their appeal.

The group believes that a ban will lead to dog owners having to go to other unsuitable beaches in order to allow their dog to exercise off the lead. Members believe that the council should instead target those who break the law, ensuring loving dog owners are not unfairly penalised.

Debbie Conibere, the group's founder, said: "The simple solution is to look at the example being set by North Devon Council which is enforcing the current laws surrounding dog ownership - only targeting those who break the laws, instead of using the PSPO to blanket ban all dog owners.

"This type of action discriminates against loving dog owners who keep their dogs under control, pick up fouling and many of whom pick up litter and keep the beaches safe for all to use.

“Councils need to be mindful that as well as the regular daily dog walkers who tend to be creatures of habit and walk at the same time each day, that there are many families with children who are also dog owners, who enjoy family time outdoors together as a unit on this safe and accessible beach."

A Dorset Council spokesman said: "The Dog PSPO has been put in place following an extensive consultation where we had over 8,000 respondents. We have taken these views into consideration alongside town and parish council wishes and the need to protect the health of families using beaches and other areas.

"We have carried out an Equality Impact assessment for the entire order with particular attention to Lyme Regis. This will soon be available to view."

For further information or to voice your own concerns, visit www.facebook.com/groups/lymeregisdogowners or email envhealthteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk