Dirty beach

[Peter F]

I moved to Portobello 2 years ago to enjoy the seaside location. I like the area very much, but I'm absolutely disgusted by the number of dirty dog owners who use the beach and prom to exercise their animals and who do not clean up after their pets mess.

It is particularly pronounced during holiday periods when dog-owners almost triumphantly march their animals onto the beach, allow them to relieve themselves, and then leave, without clearing up the mess.

This is disgusting behaviour and there is no excuse for it. I fear for the health of the large number of young kids using the beach, who already have to dodge the tons of junk (used condoms, drug needles, broken bottles and cans etc.) that is often ditched there by other dirty people.

Perhaps the Local Council could post more dog litter bins on the prom and be more diligent in catching and charging offenders. The situation is a disgrace, and drags down the reputation of the place.

[PeterB]

whatever happend to the plans to have a dog free area of the beach in the summer (the rainy time between spring and autumn)
has the idea been ditched?

[Sandra]

We have a dog which we take for walks along the beach we always clear up after it but are very surprised at the amount of people who don't, as it only takes a minute and a plastic bag!

[Guest]

I have no idea what percentage of dog owners clean up after their pets but my impression is certainly that they are in the majority and I think the situation has improved in recent years as it has become socially unacceptable and we are all more aware of the public health implications.
In the Brightons/Rosefield area we have promised to name and shame the culprits if they do not comply.

Has anyone ever challenged the people responsible? What reaction did you get?

I hope the dog-free experiment does go ahead this summer. I'm sure most responsible dog owners won't mind being excluded from a part of the beach and understand the reasons why. Then we'll sort out the jet skiers!

[Epykat]

Having been an official member of the unofficial Portobello Dog Walkers Society for the past 12 years (fully pooped up member!), I can assure you that the majority of regular dog walkers in Portobello do clean up after their animals - and not only on the beach. However, now that my little four legged friend is getting on a bit we don't do the really early morning walks anymore so can anybody tell me if the horses still rampage along the sand terrorising all and sundry? I don't recall any of them pooping and scooping!!