I like to think I am a responsible dog owner and walk across The Maer and along the beach on a daily basis throughout the year, using only the designated areas of the beach during the summer months.

I like to think I am a responsible dog owner and walk across The Maer and along the beach on a daily basis throughout the year, using only the designated areas of the beach during the summer months.

I have become increasingly incensed, like many other dog owners, at the increased number of people who have continued to take their dogs onto the prohibited areas throughout the summer months. I have, on numerous occasions, informed dog walkers when they are in the dog ban area, only to be told that they "didn't know".

I appreciate the ban will be relaxed for the winter this week. However, what is the point in having local legislation covering the beach during the summer months and the council not enforcing their local byelaws? Why should responsible owners like myself and many others obey these rules, while the authorities let those who openly flout the dog ban get away with it.

East Devon District Council has a new Dog Control Order, due to come into force on October 1, 2009, stating that all offences are punishable by a fine of up to �1,000 following conviction, with a first offence dealt with by the issue of a fixed penalty notice with a fine of �80. It will be interesting to see if they follow through with this.

Name and address withheld