Darragh's Soapbox: Should beaches be dog free?
Elizabeth, Helen and Anna Marie
Dog owners are being warned that summer restrictions are being enforced, which will not allow dogs on local beaches.
A recent statement from Waterford City & County Council says: “In order to make our beaches safe and pleasant for everybody, please remember that Woodstown beach, and the lifeguard patrol areas of Tramore, Bunmahon, Clonea, Ardmore and Dunmore East beaches are dog free areas between 11am and 7pm during the bathing season, with the exception of Guide Dogs and assistance dogs. We appreciate your cooperation.”
The Waterford News & Star gauged the opinion of the public on the matter this week.
said they agree with certain restrictions, but not an outright ban.
“Dogs should be allowed on beaches, but should be kept on a lead when there’s any people around. It’s also the responsibility of the owners to clean up after their dogs and the problem is a lot of people don’t do that.”
said: “I can see the reason behind a restriction, because if it's very warm in the summer it might not be a very good place to have dogs, especially dogs with big coats. But at the same time a lot of people go to the beach in the summer and who’s going to mind their dogs when they’re gone? A dog can be part of the family."
added: “The beaches aren’t too big, so I can see how dogs could disrupt if there’s lots of people there, but I don’t think you should outright ban them, they should just be kept on leads."
said they do agree with restrictions: “I think it’s a very good call. Dogs shouldn’t be where children are playing and where people are walking around. A beach is where people go to unwind and relax and dogs shouldn’t be allowed to run wild there. We have dogs, but we don’t approve of them on beaches."
