Is a 24-hour dog ban on Port Erin beach being considered by the local authority?

A leaflet saying it is will be discussed at next Tuesday’s meeting.

Written anonymously, it has provoked several letters of objection and comments on Facebook.

Commissioners’ clerk Jason Roberts said the bylaw regarding dogs on the beach will be discussed, but in private. And he would not reveal whether a total summer month ban was being considered.

Dogs are currently banned from the beach in Port Erin from 10am to 7pm from May to September.

The lengthy leaflet calls on all dog owners to ’make sure your voice is heard’.

It continues: ’Your early morning and late evening walks on the beach with your dog are under threat ... for fiive months of the year.’

It outlines the social and economic costs of the move.

’Many elderly and infirm people cannot just jump in the car and go somewhere else. They are able to walk on to Port Erin beach safely as it has a very gradual incline.’

’For many people the social interaction at the beach when dog walking is a very important part of the day, particularly for those who may be isolated.’

’If you ever go to the beach at about 6am you will see that every single day the dog walkers pick up large amounts of bottles, plastic etc and put them in the bins.

Impact

’No-one makes a big deal of it. It’s just done cheerfully, but very many people do it.

’They also pick up shoes and clothes and put them on the walks for people to hopefully come back and find them.’

’No-one dislikes the tiny minority of irresponsible dog walkers who do not pick up after their animals more than responsible dog owners. Many dog walkers make it their business to pick up after other dogs if there is a need.

’Let’s impose big fines for irresponsible dog owners who do not pick up.’

It adds the ban would deter visitors and locals who come to Port Erin to walk their dogs and then use local shops meaning there would be an economic impact.

It urges people to make their views known and said: ’Please speak up for your dog: friend, companion and family member. Their only voice is yours.’

Review

Mr Roberts said the discussion next Tuesday is part of a review of all of the local authority’s bylaws.

’I don’t know where people are getting their information from,’ he said.

’This is in policy development, which is in private.

’The Dog Act has been updated. Policy development happens over time and it is not in the public domain.

’Once it goes through the right process the draft by laws will go out for consultation.’

He added that letters from members of the public will be on the public agenda at next Tuesday’s meeting, but said: ’I suspect they will be noted.’

He also pointed out members of the public are not permitted to speak at local authority meetings.