Letter: Dogs are giving me a ruff time at the beach

SIR – Last weekend (17th-18th July) there were many dogs being exercised along the Hordle/Rook Cliff beach and I am appealing to their owners to keep their dogs under proper control.

New Forest District Council regulations advise that dogs should be kept on leads while on the beach but many owners do not follow this.

I actually like dogs, and grew up with a black lab, but I don't wish to be bothered by dogs when I'm sitting on a beach or swimming in the sea.

Last weekend I found plastic bags of faeces left behind (for the tide to wash them out to sea?) on two separate visits.

We saw one man bring five dogs on to the beach when he could not possibly watch what they were all doing all the time.

On another recent visit, when the beach was virtually deserted, a lady dog owner was unaware that her dog urinated within two feet of where we had left our clothes while going for a swim.

Please could owners remain aware at all times where their dogs are and what they are doing?

Name and address supplied