Heavy-handed enforcement officers?

Questions have been asked as to whether civil enforcement officers have been heavy-handed when dealing with an elderly lady who's dog was not on a lead.

Copyright: Dwayne Hards.

The incident happened two weeks ago at the Edge By The Sea café in Norfolk Gardens, Littlehampton.

The lady, who is a frequent visitor to the café, was picking up litter as she often does when the enforcement officers approached her and fined her £100.

Witnesses said there was no discussion from the enforcement officers and it left the elderly woman "in tears".

Witnesses also described how the lady often visits the area with her "well-behaved small dog" to pick up litter to keep the environment clean.

Rules are unclear about when dogs should be on their leads with signs on the seafront saying only between May to September. Signs near the café are unclear. On any given day, lots of dogs are not on leads while out for a walk with their owners.

People witnessing the enforcement were surprised that the officers didn't even attempt to explain the rules.

One witness wondered out loud whether they would have treated a strong younger man differently to a small old lady.