Do you agree or disagree with dogs being banned from beaches?

We received mixed views from residents who we spoke to on Strand Street, Douglas, about restrictions placed on certain beaches around the island.

Douglas councillors recently refused to expand the dog walking zone on the capital’s north side of the beach, from Switzerland Road to the Summerland site.

This restriction is in force from May to September between 10am and 6pm.

You can read the story in the Isle of Man Examiner (August 20).

Maddie Harrison, 13, often walks Lottie her labrador twice a day around Douglas.

She said: ’I think the zone should be expanded a bit more. That way there’s more space for the dogs.

’People know there’s normally a fine if you let your dog foul anywhere.’

Her aunty, Deb Campbell, 54, added: ’When you’ve gone into your car to take your dog somewhere to give them a good exercise - or if you’re getting them used to walking on a lead - it’s not really a big stretch in the Douglas beach zone. Especially when you have an active dog.’

When told that Peel beach has an all-day restriction from April to September, she called it ’a bit harsh’.

However, she said the view of those who don’t own dogs should be taken on board.

’I think it’s okay to have restrictions during certain times of the year because when people have a picnic on the beach in the summer they don’t want dogs around them.’

Don Agar, 72, of Brotton, North Yorkshire, said: ’There should be restricted areas.

’Dog owners just want to walk where it’s convenient rather than where it’s sensible.’

Looking at his own dog, Juke, he added that beach restrictions ’are not a problem at all.’

’I take him on him part of the beaches that I can - not where people are having their sandwiches. Juke goes on the beach every morning and the woods every night.

’There are a lot of things you cannot do as a dog owner, but you’ve got to respect that.’

Carol Smith, 55, from Warrington, has brought her French water dog Livvy to the island.

She said: ’I think restrictions are a good thing. There are lots of dog owners who aren’t responsible as they should be.

’People with children shouldn’t have to deal with the mess. It’s nice for them to know there’s somewhere they can go without the mess. Plus lots of people don’t want dogs around them.’

Douglas resident Amy Kennish, 22, said: ’Nobody goes on Douglas beach anymore, so it’s sat there wasted.

’It’s not a tourist attraction anymore because people now go to Peel beach. It’s a little bit more understandable having restrictions in Peel and other places because there are more people there.

’Unless they’re planning on making the place more touristy then just let the dogs play on the beach!’

She and her partner Conal McCartney, 21, don’t have a pet dog.

’But I want one,’ Amy said.

Conal added: ’I can see why they don’t want dogs on the beach, but I can also see the other side. I don’t go on the beach and I don’t have a dog, so I can’t really comment.’