Summer exclusion zones are now in force prohibiting pets on some North East beaches

Dog owners are being warned they could face fines and even court if they flout bans on taking their pets on beaches.

On May 1, the summer bans came in force on some seafront areas in Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, South Shields, Blyth, Newbiggin and Sunderland, and will last until September.

Some of the exclusion zones are only partial, with areas available where pets are allowed. There will be clear signs along the seafronts informing people where they must not take their pets.

Guide dogs for the blind are exempt from the ban.

So what action will councils take if anyone is caught breaking the rules?

Northumberland

In 2011, the county council first put in place an exclusion order on dogs accessing parts of beaches at Newbiggin and Blyth over the summer months.

Most people honour this annual agreement but anyone breaching the ban will be issued with an on-the-spot fixed penalty notice of £100. If unpaid, the council will normally prosecute and the court can issue a fine of up to £1,000.