FROM tomorrow dogs are banned from a number of beaches in the Vale as the summer season kicks in.

The beach ban applies to are Whitmore Bay (Barry Island), Dunraven Bay (Southerndown), Cwm Colhuw (Llantwit), Penarth beach (between the Pier and the Yacht club only), Penarth Pier (decking area only) and Cold Knap.

The ban is in place from May 1 to September 30.

Vale Council have emphasised there are still plenty of beaches for dogs to enjoy throughout the summer.

They include Ogmore-by-Sea, Cwm Nash (Monknash), Summerhouse Bay, Aberthaw Beach (the Leys), Fontygary Bay, Porthkerry, Jacksons Bay, St Mary's Well Bay, Penarth beach (between the Pier and Cardiff Bay barrage) and Watch Tower Bay and Old Harbour.

Penarth Times: Dogs won't be allowed on Penarth pierDogs won't be allowed on Penarth pier (Image: Josephine Harverson)

Dog fouling penalties

Dog owners can receive a £75 fixed penalty notice or up to a £1,000 fine for not clearing up after their dog.

On the website, Vale Council warn: “We want your help to encourage owners to be responsible and clean up after their dogs.

“If you take a dog for a walk and it fouls in a public space it is your responsibility to pick it up.

“If you fail to pick up after your dog you could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75 or be prosecuted which could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

“We all know dogs are clever, for hundreds of years dogs have been used as working animals, trained to carry out a number of tasks including Sheep herding and even sniffer dogs to detect bombs and drugs.

“But one thing we are yet to be able to train dogs to do is pick up after themselves, so that is where you, the caring owners/dog walkers come in.”