‘Permanently stop dogs using our beaches’
FINALLY, the dogs’ ban from our beaches is here again at last. The ban period currently being from 1 May to 31 September; that is five months out of 12, or about 40% of the year. Dogs therefore permitted for 60% of the year. Further, the ban applies to only some island beaches. There is therefore already disproportionate provision for dogs. Why then are certain dog walkers, throughout the summer, every year, ignoring the temporary bans, whilst our police and relevant government departments turn a blind eye?
It is a fact; dogs out walking frequently urinate and defecate wherever the need arises. There have been enough complaints about dog mess, even around our beautiful coastlines, including on beaches and areas supposedly designated dog free. Even where dog faeces are picked up, a disgusting residue can remain on seaweed, pebbles, or as smears and smudges on rocks.
About a month ago, on Vazon beach, I noted a dog squatting. Its attendant pondered a few seconds, eventually decided to walk on. When I arrived at the scene, I noted a light-brown/mustardy coloured patch of textured mucus mess, about 15cm diameter, mostly absorbed into the sand. Within this patch was a neat round hole, just under 1cm diameter; a large beach worm, or other poor creature, had just had its home flooded by this toxic canine discharge. Don’t birds eat these worms? What must tourists think when they see dogs contaminating our beaches? We really must clean up this island, not only for visitors, but local people too. Our beaches should be places where sitting down on the sand is a year-round, pleasurable, joyful experience; hygiene is absolutely essential to that.
If it is, the relevant authorities are not willing to effectively enforce counter to long-standing dog problems, particularly around important coastal spaces, surely it is time to permanently stop dogs using our beaches. This will provide clarity and important protection for beach users, including natural wildlife. We (the forgotten majority) want to enjoy island beaches without canine intrusions. Eat our picnics and chippy chips of an evening in relative peace, knowing the space around us is not contaminated by dog sewerage. If humans were to do what dogs have local authority stamp of approval to do on our beaches, it would be much more than frowned upon. Why then are dogs allowed? It is well known dog waste is riddled with a range of parasitic worms and diseases! Using beaches as dog toileting areas is disgusting, and meaningful progress in its prevention long overdue.
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