COUNCILLORS in St Ives will vote tonight on whether to impose a total ban on dogs on all the area's main beaches during the summer months.
At the moment dog owners are allowed to walk their pets on famous beaches like Porthminster, Porthmeor and Carbis Bay before 8am and after 7pm during the tourist season.
But opponents say that restriction isn't enough and claim a total ban is needed to address problems with nuisance dogs and dog fouling.
Dog lovers say they are happy to live with current restrictions but say there is no evidence of a problem with dogs on beaches.
The issue has seen neighbours blank each other in the street and has been the most divisive the town has ever seen, according to one councillor.
A consultation by St Ives Town Council show more than two thirds of people were opposed to the new ban with far more people upset about litter than dogs.
Some councillors, however, are determined to push the ban through because they say it is the strength of the complaints, not the number, that matters.
The town's full council meeting takes place tonight at 7.00pm with the public allowed to attend. One person for the dog ban and one against will be allowed to give a three minute speech before councillors make their vote.
At the moment dog owners are allowed to walk their pets on famous beaches like Porthminster, Porthmeor and Carbis Bay before 8am and after 7pm during the tourist season.
But opponents say that restriction isn't enough and claim a total ban is needed to address problems with nuisance dogs and dog fouling.
Dog lovers say they are happy to live with current restrictions but say there is no evidence of a problem with dogs on beaches.
The issue has seen neighbours blank each other in the street and has been the most divisive the town has ever seen, according to one councillor.
A consultation by St Ives Town Council show more than two thirds of people were opposed to the new ban with far more people upset about litter than dogs.
Some councillors, however, are determined to push the ban through because they say it is the strength of the complaints, not the number, that matters.
The town's full council meeting takes place tonight at 7.00pm with the public allowed to attend. One person for the dog ban and one against will be allowed to give a three minute speech before councillors make their vote.
