A council is set to ask for Government permission to introduce a new bylaw making it compulsory for dogs to be kept on leads in its cemeteries.

The move follows growing concern about dogs damaging and fouling graves.

The bylaw request is likely to be approved to Arun District Council's newly formed Cabinet.

It could be put into operation at graveyards in Bognor, Findon, Arundel and Littlehampton.

Councillors have been told that a telephone survey showed that 96 per cent of people were in favour of dogs being kept on leads.

A report says there was little support for an alternative scheme which would have banned dogs from the cemeteries.

Council officers have warned there may be objections from some dog owners that their human rights are being infringed by not allowing their pets to run around freely.

A report adds: "It is unlikely there could be a successful action because the bylaws are made under national legislation."