A petition has been launched calling on Cornwall Council to relax the beach dog ban in the summer months.

An “irritated” dog owner set up the online petition asking Cornwall Council for a “compromise” on the beach ban.

Many of Cornwall’s beaches enforce a ban on dogs from Easter to the end of September, only allowing them to be taken onto the beach in the evening.

Andy Jenrick, who lives near Portreath, said that the rules were too strict and should be relaxed.

On his online petition he states: “I live close to Portreath in Cornwall and have for many years been irritated by the incredibly ridiculous rules enforced upon local dog owners.

“The ban at Portreath runs from the variable Easter Sunday to the END of September, and during that time you cannot go on the beach until after 7pm. Another local beach at Porthtowan is worse with total ban from Easter Sunday to the end of September, so I, and I am sure, many others, simply NEVER go there, ever!! Outside of school holidays, the beach at Portreath is near empty. Yesterday (7th June) I counted 8 people on the beach at 4.45pm.”

Andy said that there are three options which would be a good compromise. The first would be to have the ban in place only during the school holidays.

Alternatively he said that ban could run from the start of the Easter holidays to September 1. Or he suggests the ban could only be in place from 10am to 5pm.

“That way,” he explains, “families have the beach to themselves for 7 hours during the school holidays.”

Andy adds: “I am local and live here for 52 weeks per year. I am not a holiday maker who visits for a week or two.  However holiday makers with dogs are also affected and may choose to go elsewhere, thereby affecting the local economy. Dog owners are unfairly penalised.”

And he also addressed a common complaint of dogs on beaches – dog mess.

He said: “One complaint is always relating to dog poo. However, all I can say is those who will not pick up dog poo on a beach will not pick it up anywhere….so its not a good argument. Beaches are spoilt by rubbish, nappies, discarded used bbqs, bottles and tins and guess what, none of that is caused by my or any dog.”

The petition, which only launched today, has already been signed by 26 people.

Ian Squire, who signed, wrote: “We holiday in Cornwall every year and are conscientious dog owners who would like our dogs to enjoy the beach all year round too!!!”

Peter McCrindle added: “It gives tourism in Cornwall a bad name and it shows no regard for dog owners or dogs.”

To sign the petition go to – https://www.change.org/p/cornwall-council-dogs-on-cornish-beaches-a-compromise