Dogs on the Beach Policy

[FL Dawg]

What are the rules regarding allowing dogs on the beach. And yes I am a local if that makes any difference, I've just never had a dog before!!

[Joe]

http://www.co.walton.fl.us/default.asp?id=29

[waltondude]

The rules are actually a mess. A constitutional crisis, where equal protection is dismissed and those that 'own' or 'reside' in this area have more rights that those that visit. Something totally against the Constitution. Residents believe that the beaches belong to them. But if that is true, then why does the county have to get permits to restore them? Because the beaches belong to the Citizens of the State of Florida is why. And the US Constitution grants equal rights to all citizens without a requirement for land ownership. But the BCC actually thinks that we should have some things special that are reserved for the local taxpayer, read voter. When in fact all dogs should be banned from the beach permanently.

[sand flea]

[quote=waltondude;221088]The rules are actually a mess. A constitutional crisis, where equal protection is dismissed and those that 'own' or 'reside' in this area have more rights that those that visit. Something totally against the Constitution. Residents believe that the beaches belong to them. But if that is true, then why does the county have to get permits to restore them? Because the beaches belong to the Citizens of the State of Florida is why. And the US Constitution grants equal rights to all citizens without a requirement for land ownership. But the BCC actually thinks that we should have some things special that are reserved for the local taxpayer, read voter. When in fact all dogs should be banned from the beach permanently.[/qW

Well I guess we know how you feel about that, don't we?

[ShallowsNole]

WD is usually pretty good at making his feelings known. Occasionally he is a little misguided, but normally he is spot on.

[Allifunn]

[Geo]

I don't know why I am biting on this hook. Boy, am I a sucker...

I have a dog and am a new local. I absolutely love it that I can legally have my dog on the beach and am glad that visitors and tourists aren't afforded the same priviledge...

But out of curiousity, are there any reasons (besides the principle and your interpretation of the constitution) why you want to see all dogs outlawed from the beach?

e.g. Safety, Health, Cleanliness, etc.

I doubt anyone will sway this dog lover but I always like to understand the opposition...

Cheers,
GW

[Smiling JOe]

The rules are actually a mess. A constitutional crisis, where equal protection is dismissed and those that 'own' or 'reside' in this area have more rights that those that visit. Something totally against the Constitution. Residents believe that the beaches belong to them. But if that is true, then why does the county have to get permits to restore them? Because the beaches belong to the Citizens of the State of Florida is why. And the US Constitution grants equal rights to all citizens without a requirement for land ownership. But the BCC actually thinks that we should have some things special that are reserved for the local taxpayer, read voter. When in fact all dogs should be banned from the beach permanently.

As you noted in the beginning of your rant, one is not required to own land in order to purchase a Dog Permit. I think the dog permits are mistakely referred to as Beach Permits, because they are actually County Dog Licenses, just as most counties and cities often require.

[ShallowsNole]

Actually, they are in fact beach permits, as one is not required to purchase one unless you plan to take your dog to the beach.

There are few things more delightful than watching a well-behaved dog having a blast on the beach. And, I love dogs; I have three of them. However, I am *personally* against dogs on the beach because I have been face-down in a beach chair, nearly asleep, and had a large off-leash-no-owner-in-sight dog come along and pee on me.

[luvthebeach]

However, I am *personally* against dogs on the beach because I have been face-down in a beach chair, nearly asleep, and had a large off-leash-no-owner-in-sight dog come along and pee on me.

It's so sad that a handful of negligent dog owners can spoil it for the rest. I'm not a dog owner (though I do have a cuddly bunny), but I love watching pups play on the beach. I would expect dog owners to carry a plastic poo-poo bag and clean up after their pups. And hopefully the dog that peed on you accidentally got away from his owner and wasn't let loose intentionally!

[joho]

Don't blame the dogs.........blame the irresponsible owners!!!!!!

[kathydwells]

[quote=geowickey;221142]I don't know why I am biting on this hook. Boy, am I a sucker...

I have a dog and am a new local. I absolutely love it that I can legally have my dog on the beach and am glad that visitors and tourists aren't afforded the same priviledge...

As a visitor and/or tourist.....

May I ask you why you are glad about this?

I mean, let's say I have well behaved dog's, AND I have paid all fees, and obtained all permits to have my dog's legally on the beach, why would I not then be able to be afforded the same privilge as you? Just courious.

Cheers,
kdw

[Chief Deputy TC]

http://www.waltontaxcollector.com/default.aspx?id=32

http://www.waltontaxcollector.com/default.aspx?id=32

The attached link provides information related to this permit.

www.waltontaxcollector.com

[RiverOtter]

I don't want to turn anybody in BUT this lady and her............... duck were clearly in violation

[iwishiwasthere]

I don't want to turn anybody in BUT this lady and her............... duck were clearly in violation

[Mango]

The duck wasn't on a leash.

[Jdarg]

The duck wasn't on a leash.

And the owners didn't pooper scoop after him!

Citizen's arrest!!

[TooFarTampa]

The duck wasn't on a leash.

Definitely running afowl of the law ...

[Cheering472]

RO has a pic for everything.

[RiverOtter]

The duck wasn't on a leash.

Nor was it wearing the proper orange tag
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[Tupelo Honey]

But out of curiousity, are there any reasons (besides the principle and your interpretation of the constitution) why you want to see all dogs outlawed from the beach?

e.g. Safety, Health, Cleanliness, etc

GW

Because if the owner does not pick up after their dog, it can endanger the water quality.Dog waste can also get buried under sand then stepped on in bare feet. I am sure you would pick up after your dog, but other people don't, and no one is there to monitor that.

That's how it is up here in Atlanta at the Chattahoochee River Park. Not all dog owners pick up after their dog and the poop gets pushed into the river during a hard rain. Then the river becomes infested with e-coli bacteria.

[Mango]

I don't know what the big deal is. Doesn't everyone bring their ducky in the water with them?

[Geo]

Kathydwells addressed this one to me directly-

"As a visitor and/or tourist.....

May I ask you why you are glad about this?

I mean, let's say I have well behaved dog's, AND I have paid all fees, and obtained all permits to have my dog's legally on the beach, why would I not then be able to be afforded the same privilge as you? Just curious."

**************
Let me start by saying that if I was not a resident (but rather a frequent visitor) that I too would be upset that I cannot have my well behaved dog on the beach. Kinda messed up, I know...

But because I *am* a resident, I come from the perspective that I personally don't want each and every visitor to be able to bring their dogs on the beach. IMHO, (here comes a generalization) I don't think visitors would be as respectful of doody duties, the leash law and all other general etiquette related to having dogs on the beach (compared to locals). Are there visitors more respectful/responsible than locals? ABSOLUTELY. That's the problem with generalizations- they are only generally true (if there is truth to them)...

I think we need to draw the line someplace so that the beaches aren't inundated with canines. I apply my same logic to cars on the beach in Grayton. I love it that locals can get the permit and drive on the beach and I am glad that visitors aren't afforded the same priviledge...

Even if you don't agree with my reasoning, do you understand where I am coming from?

2 cents, GW

[Bobby J]

It would be "funny" to get a citation for having your dog on the beach!!!! Please... I bring my dog to the beach with no permit all the time! Arrest me!

[RiverOtter]

It would be "funny" to get a citation for having your dog on the beach!!!! Please... I bring my dog to the beach with no permit all the time! Arrest me!

Yes, but you have achieved "Rock Star" status in the area which gives you special privileges ................ much like SJ

[Jdarg]

I saw the FUNNIEST yesterday at the beach- somebody brought their dog to the beach- a dachshund. The sand is so soft and deep at Grayton- and this poor dog was literally having to snow plow through it since his little legs were so short. The poor thing must have been exhausted.

Later another family brought a little white fluffy dog to the outflow- and it promptly messed up it's grooming job in the water and sand. After that, they tried to put the poor dog in a zip-up tent thing. I'm sure that dog was having such a great time.

All of this during "non dog hours". Sorry y'all, but I am a rule follower. And the permits are a good thing because proof of vaccinations have to be shown to get them. I don't want my kids or dogs around a bunch of unvaccinated dogs.

[30A Skunkape]

If people were given carte blanche with respect to bringing dogs to the beach, some idiot would bring his pit bulls and another his German Shepherds, etc. Then there would be controversy over which breeds to exclude, firing off the old 'pit bulls are sweet but misunderstood' debate. I like the fact that there are restrictions in place.

[Jdarg]

And I wish there was more enforcement. I love dogs (I have 2!) but I really don't think it's cute when Muffy or Skippy run over and jump on me and lick while I'm sitting on the beach. Why do some dog owners assume that everyone else on the beach wants to interact with their dogs? I guess the same principle would be the loud boom boom music blaring from open windows of cars- the driver's assumption that everyone else wants to hear their bad music too.

[ShallowsNole]

I may have mentioned this earlier in the thread, but prior to the beach ordinances being enacted, pet owners from other counties and other states were coming here specifically to take their dogs to the beach. While there are many responsible pet owners, the majority failed to clean behind their animals. I *personally* take issue with animals on the beach, as even though many people scoop the poop, I have never witnessed anyone scooping yellow sand. However, I have seen a dog hike his leg on the remnants of a sandcastle, and two hours later, saw a toddler trying to eat the same sand. Plus, there is the incident I mentioned earlier.

Funny story...several years ago, a large pipe washed up on the beach near Eastern Lake. One Sunday morning in late January, my family decides to go take a peek at it ourselves. ShallowsFuzz throws on his "plain" green windbreaker, as it is a little cool outside.

We arrive at the beach, and we notice many winter guests on the beach with their dogs, mostly small and toy breeds. All are on leash, and I begin to think that the horror stories I hear every day ("but FeeFee likes to play in the surf!") are not true. We look at the pipe, take pictures, and decide to walk back the same way we came.

All of the aforementioned dogs are now OFF leash, and running willy-nilly all over the beach. On our way back up, one of the ladies we passed earlier tells Fuzz "we're sorry, we saw your green jacket and thought you might be one of those police officers that come down and harrass us." At which point, Fuzz reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out his badge...

Note: we are not seeing as many citations for DOTB as we used to, but they are fairly expensive when they do happen. So please follow the rules...or wave and say hi when you come in to pay your ticket.

[Teresa]

oh, dogs used to be more than welcome at the beach, without leashes or permits or poop scoops. it was a great place to romp, and many dogs from grayton took themselves out on the beach each and every day to enjoy their playground.

growth and progress brings many new people to the area (tourists and residents), meaning that restrictions become necessary for the protection of people as well as dogs. it was truly a sad day in Walton County when the beach was legally retricted for our dog friends. we were all just furious! probably one of the most attended commission meetings ever. after all, people are the ones that trash the beach, not animals. poop doesn't hurt the beach (if left unscooped ) - the crabs love it. but the trash deliberately and unnecessarily dumped on the beach by humans definitely does.

however, even I must admit that the restrictions are necessary at this point, with so many people - some are responsible dog owners and some not so much. some people don't like dogs at all and would rather not share the beach with them. what dog wants to go to the beach on a leash? we don't take our dog to the beach anymore because its just not worth it. I'm not paying the county for the privilege of taking Lulu to the beach at only certain hours and on a leash!

When we're vacationing at Indian Pass, always and forever a pet friendly beach, Lulu can play all day - unleashed and without a permit!

[Tupelo Honey]

poop doesn't hurt the beach (if left unscooped ) - the crabs love it.

Poop can hurt the health of kids, adults and wildlife.

Dog poop carries e-coli bacteria, and if poop is stepped on in bare feet or if a kid picks it up with bare hands, they can contract the Giardia and Cryptosporidium parasites. They can also contract an infection from fecal coliform bacteria.

When the tide washes dog waste out to sea, the fecal bacteria will contaminate the water where people swim. This would affect the ecosystem, tourism, and the local seafood industry.

Dog and human poop is a much different waste than sealife poop because their food sources are different and do not harmonize with the environment. This is why human waste is not used for agriculture.

[Smiling JOe]

...This is why human waste is not used for agriculture.

You mean in the USA. Mexico has been known to use it.

[NewUrbanGirl]

No one's mentioned it so far, but when we walk our little puppies on the beach, on their leashes, during the time they are allowed to be there, with their beach tags on (of course!), they get attacked by other, much larger dogs, off the leash, no tags, LAWBREAKERS! My poor little dogs! That's not fair to them, is it?

Keep your *A#@ dog on a leash! If you don't have a tag, I don't care, but keep your *A#@ dog on a leash! Oh, and clean up their poop, too. And keep your *A#@ dog on a leash! Whew! I feel better!

[TNJed]

Saw a lady get bit by a dog yesterday morning as she was jogging on the beach. Two dogs, both wearing collars and tags, no leashes. However there were two leashes were draped around the necks of their owners. A lot of good that does!

I felt so bad for the lady. Not too bad of a bite as one of the large dogs took a little nip at her as she jogged by. She yelled out in pain/surprise and told the owners it was ok as she had a dog too. That didn't make much sense to me, but oh well.

The bitten lady turned around and walked/hobbled back to where she came from. Sad.

You may THINK you know your dog, but your dog doesn't know everyone else.

[Scooter]

I got a ticket one time walking my dog in Grayton Beach State Park. It was only $25. As for my dog - she lays behind my chair in a hole she digs under the umbrella all day. It's a shame I can't bring her on the beach during the day. I will bring her and my new puppy when I come down in the summer. We'll obey the 8 - 6 rules, but we won't have a permit after 6. I do also miss the days when the dogs ran loose on Grayton beach. I remember the black labs and the dog with three legs. I also miss Badger Breaux. I would walk with him every morning. He was a smart dog though - he always walked before 8 a.m.

[Jdarg]

Saw a lady get bit by a dog yesterday morning as she was jogging on the beach. Two dogs, both wearing collars and tags, no leashes. However there were two leashes were draped around the necks of their owners. A lot of good that does!

I felt so bad for the lady. Not too bad of a bite as one of the large dogs took a little nip at her as she jogged by. She yelled out in pain/surprise and told the owners it was ok as she had a dog too. That didn't make much sense to me, but oh well.

The bitten lady turned around and walked/hobbled back to where she came from. Sad.

You may THINK you know your dog, but your dog doesn't know everyone else.

I don't mind the dogs on the beach, but they need to be the kind of dog that DOES lie under a beach chair. I was body slammed by a big friendly dog a few weeks ago...and like the other lady I said "It's OK I like dogs". But what if I had been a little old lady and the dog knocked me down?

Like the boom boom music that drivers like to "share" with the rest of us, some dog owners seem to think that the whole world loves their dogs.

[Smiling JOe]

Like the boom boom music that drivers like to "share" with the rest of us, some dog owners seem to think that the whole world loves their dogs.

I, too, like dogs, but I don't necessarily want others wet dogs shaking all over me, or jumping on me when I'm at the beach, or anywhere else. Most of the dogs I've encountered at the beach are not guilty of this, but I have seen my share of the ones who do. I know one of my dogs would be guilty if I let them run free on the beach. He would also be guilty of turning over your wine or beer with his wagging tail and but, and he would lavish you with a mouth full of foamy salt water.

Jdarg, you are spot-on with the music analogy. I go to the beach to listen to the waves, not other people's music. I think too many people live in a fog.

[DuneAHH]

Definitely running afowl of the law ...

EGGSellent!!

[jessifunn]

I got a ticket one time walking my dog in Grayton Beach State Park. It was only $25. As for my dog - she lays behind my chair in a hole she digs under the umbrella all day. It's a shame I can't bring her on the beach during the day. I will bring her and my new puppy when I come down in the summer. We'll obey the 8 - 6 rules, but we won't have a permit after 6. I do also miss the days when the dogs ran loose on Grayton beach. I remember the black labs and the dog with three legs. I also miss Badger Breaux. I would walk with him every morning. He was a smart dog though - he always walked before 8 a.m.

Annie!!