ANGRY seaside busi-nesses have hit out at ‘irresponsible’ dog owners over the ‘appalling’ mess they are leaving on Weymouth Beach.

Firm owners and residents say they are fed up with individuals letting their dogs continually foul on the beach.

Some owners are even putting dog excrement in plastic bags and throwing it on to the pebbles and a nearby car park, they claim.

Overcombe beach car park manager Steve Sparks said: “Do these dog owners not consider the catastrophic effect this could have on children and other dogs?

“Only last week a toddler – fortunately holding his mother’s hand – bent down to pick up such a bag. Luckily the horrified parent was quick enough to react.”

Mr Sparks said the matter has not improved since he took over the site three years ago. “I see evidence of this almost every day,” he said.

“Some of these individuals are even committing a far worse crime by placing excrement in pick-up bags and throwing them on the pebbles and car park.

“This does not allow the excrement to degrade until the plastic bag does – this will probably happen in the season when the beaches are most populated.”

Now Mr Sparks – along with Second Wind owner Terry Sallows and Café Oasis staff – is vowing to crack down on the offenders.

“We’ve had enough of the appalling condition the beach is being left in over the winter months,” he added. “Dog owners will be under greater observation, with on-the-spot fines enforced.

“I own a dog and I’m greatly concerned dog walking could be banned in the area.

“But as a regular watersports enthusiast also using this beach, I fear this may be the only option.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council community safety spokesman Tim Munro echoed Mr Sparks’ comments.

He said: “It’s appalling that dog owners can be so irresponsible. It’s simply anti-social to let your dog foul like this.

“We always hear there aren’t enough bins but it’s up to the owners to take responsibility for their own rubbish.

“It’s not up to the council to put a bin on every corner. If there isn’t a bin, take the rubbish home – we come and collect it every single week.”

Councillor Munro added: “If the dog warden or the police spot you there will be an instant £80 fine.

“Personally, I’d happily see that trebled and dogs confiscated. These people are dirty and filthy and don’t deserve to have dogs.”