AN ANGRY mother is kicking up a stink after finding dog mess strewn across Burnham-on-Sea beach while walking with her children.

Burnham mother, Toni Saunders turned to social media to speak of her 'disgust' after finding 17 pieces of dog poo on the beach just ten minutes into a family walk.

Posting in Highbridge and Burnham Discussion group, she wrote: "As I walk along the beach towards the 9 legged lighthouse all we see is poo, lots and lots of it. "Why do people not pick it up?"

The mother of three shared more than 15 images of the mutt's mess on the group, sparking a lively debate on social media.

She is now calling on dog owners to be 'responsible' and clean up after their dogs.

"We were disgusted when we came across the mess," Toni said.

"We came to the beach a few months ago and there was poo on the beach, we come back and see its there again.

"I saw around 17 bits of dog poo just ten minutes into our family walk, its disgusting.

"I have three kids who love to run, jump and roll on the beach, the dog mess is a danger to them."

Since Toni published the pictures, dozens of residents have taken to social media and spoken in anger about dog mess.

Burnham resident, Jenny Fox, said: "When I saw the pictures of the dog mess, it upset me.

"So many people use our beautiful beaches, it saddens me that a few irresponsible dog owners are ruining it for everyone."

Highbridge resident, Louise Christians, said: "We have a dog and always pick up after her.

"We also have a toddler and have had the same problems down on the beach.

"It's sad that it's always a minority that ruin it for the majority always giving sensible dog owners a bad name."

A number of residents said the council need to impose harsher fines for dog fouling and said more needs to be done to crack down on the issue.

Dogs are not allowed on the town's beach between the jetty and the Pavilion as a year-round dog ban is in force.

Residents can face a £75 fine if they are caught taking their dogs on the beach but resident, Mike Long said he regularly see's dogs on the beach despite the ban.

"The dog warden doesn't work on weekends so dog walkers are free to roam," Mike said.

"I saw around 13 dogs on the beach in about 20 minutes and wonder if people don't know they can get fined £75 using this section of beach, maybe the signage needs looking at."

But a spokesman from Sedgemoor District Council said it encourages dog owners to clear up after their pets and that harsh penalties are already in place.

"Sedgemoor District Council encourages all dog owners to clean up after their pet and a £75 fouling fixed penalty notice is imposed on those who do not comply," the spokesman said.

"If convicted through the court this can be increased up to £1,000.

"Members of the public should report any sightings of dog owners who do not clear up after the pet so that we can target Dog Warden patrols more effectively. "

But Toni said she thinks dog owners need to keep a closer eye on their pets to make sure they can dispose of their mess.

"I would urge people to keep an eye on their dogs if they are off the lead, don't stand around chatting or let it run too far so that you can't see what it's doing.

"Pick up your mess or keep your dog at home," Toni said.

Tatiana Cant, town clerk for Burnham and Highbridge Town Council said dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and said the district council works hard to keep the town's beach clean.

"The town council supports all residents and visitors who should be able to walk along the beach and the streets without coming across dog mess," the spokesman said.

"It is the owners of course who are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, and we continue to encourage owners to do the right thing.

"Sedgemoor District Council also do their best to keep these areas clean.”