I AM appalled that any changes are contemplated to the bylaw prohibiting dogs from our beaches between May and September.
I use Whitmore Bay often with my three-year-old grandchildren. We all love our time on the beach, however, during October to April we have to be constantly vigilant to ensure that “friendly” dogs do not attack our grandsons.
Dog owners do not understand how frightening a dog seems to a small child who does not have a dog at home. We are constantly being told that the dog is “only playing” even though on one occasion the child had been scratched on his face.
The problem does not end with the dogs’ “playfulness”. Most dog owners are vigilant for example, collecting their dog’s waste but no dog owner seems concerned when their dog urinates on the sand, even when it happens on top of the children’s sand castles. In my experience dogs seem to seek out sand castles.
The argument that humans leave more waste on the beach than dogs is certainly true. However, human waste is annoying and messy dog waste can be dangerous.
Huw Thomas
Via email
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