DOGS could soon be banned from Sandbanks beach all year round.

Poole council is to hold informal consultation on the issue but have stressed discussions are still at a very early stage.

They say the ban would only apply to the beach in front of the promenade at Sandbanks and not the entire length of Poole's beachfront.

Dogs would still need to be kept on a lead on the Sandbanks promenade.

Current bylaws dictate that, from May to September, dogs must be kept on a lead on the promenade and off the beach altogether.

This applies along the whole of Poole's beachfront, from Sandbanks to Branksome Chine.

Warmer winters have meant increased numbers of people using Poole's beaches during winter months.

Clive Smith, head of leisure services at the council, said there had been a rise in the number of complaints about dogs being on the beach outside peak season.

He said: "The beach is an increasingly popular attraction all year round.

"Many of these complaints reflect the concerns of parents worried about their children's safety on the beach and health implications of dog waste."

Mr Smith added the proposed area of the ban represented only 10 per cent of the total beachfront in Poole.

But dog owner Colin Lambert said walkers were being given fewer and fewer options.

He said: "If we are pushed off the beaches, we will have to go to the chines and Whitecliff, then we get pushed from there because of the increased doggy footfall and increased dog waste."

Dog walkers reacted angrily last summer when the council proposed banning dogs from Hamworthy beach and keeping pets on a lead in Hamworthy Park.

Dogs were eventually just banned from the park's play area.

The proposed ban for Sandbanks would not affect the current summer season bans.

The initial stage of informal consultation will involve beach users until Easter.

These results will then go to the environment overview group for consideration. If they agree to proceed, a formal consultation will be conducted with residents.

Breaking of dog control orders can lead to a fixed penalty notice of £50 if paid within seven days or £75 within 14 days. Failure to pay can mean prosecution.