Seasonal dog bans on Kent's most popular beaches come into force today - despite pet owners urging councils to relax restrictions during lockdown.

Many who use the beaches to walk their dogs warn bringing in the annual ban, which runs from May 1 to September 30, will make it harder for people to follow social distancing rules.

They say it will lead to busier pavements and parks, and people driving to places to walk their pooches.

Of the five councils responsible for beaches along the Kent coastline, only one - Dover - is lifting the ban completely in its district, while Canterbury City Council is waiving any fines for people using them to walk their dogs.

Thanet council, however, is putting the annual restrictions in place today, a move some have described as short-sighted.

Dog owner Sarah Wyld says she can understand the ban in the summer months, to stop animals being a nuisance to other beach users, but says during lockdown it is absurd.

Another, Liz James, warns it will make it harder for social distancing.

"It seems to be greed on the council's part as you can bet they will be down there issuing fines," she added.

Ylande Evison, who uses Viking Bay for dog walking, argues that people living in Broadstairs will have to drive elsewhere.

"The only bay with beach when it's high tide is Viking Bay," she said.

"It's very short sighted of TDC in these times of social distancing."

But council leader Cllr Rick Everitt says the seasonal dog restrictions, which includes Margate Main Sands and Botany Bay in Kingsgate, are contained within Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) which can only be changed following a legal process, including a public consultation.

"Having a dog ban in place during the bathing season is also a condition of our Blue Flag and Seaside Awards," he added.

He says there are 10 beaches in the district where dogs are welcome all year round as well as other open spaces to use.

"Unfortunately some people don’t feel the need to clear up after their pooch..."

Swale Borough Council, which is responsible for Minster Leas, Sheerness and Leysdown beaches, is also putting restrictions in place.

A spokesman said: "While we know people will be listening to government advice and not visiting the beach for prolonged periods, the restriction will be in place as normal this year to maintain water quality results, and dog owners and walkers are encouraged to use the variety of other options available.

"Sheerness, Leysdown and Minster all have dog friendly areas of the beach that are available all year round."

Folkestone and Hythe District Council is making nine stretches of the district's coastline dog-free from today, despite lockdown, including Sunny Sands and Mermaid Beach.

Leader Cllr David Monk said: "Unfortunately some people don’t feel the need to clear up after their loyal pooch, which can lead to significant impacts on public health and sea water quality.

"This would have a long-term impact on our district when the country is ready to lift the current restrictions.

"We ask owners to respect these seasonal measures by using the other dog-walking areas Folkestone and Hythe is blessed with."

In Dover, however, the district council is relaxing the rules so people can stay local when walking their dogs.

It follows an appeal by the RSPCA.

Spokesman Andy Steele said: "Dover District Council is temporarily relaxing the restrictions in the PSPO on where dogs can be walked.

"This is to help prevent unnecessary travel and curb potential spread of coronavirus.

"In line with RSPCA guidance, we also urge people to keep dogs on leads where necessary to help ensure social distancing and avoid owners having to come into close contact with one another should they have to go and retrieve their dog."

Council officials in Canterbury say they won't be lifting the bans on Herne Bay Central and Tankerton, but they won't be issuing fines to dog walkers using the beaches.

Spokesman Rob Davies says common sense should prevail.

"Lifting the ban itself is pointless because we'd just have to put it back in place again some time down the line," he said.

"But equally we won't be issuing fixed penalty notices to people who happen to be on the beach with a dog because they have found it to be the only way to observe social distancing rules, which is the primary legislation to be complied with at the moment.

"However, should we see someone on the beach blatantly flouting the ban and causing problems for others, we would advise them it still remains in place, and would deal with repeated transgressions by issuing an FPN.

"We're confident, though, that the residents of our district are mature enough to supervise their pets, behave in a sensible way and respect other people, so that this option of last resort is never needed."

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