Dogs on Middleton Beach
There is a designated area for dogs on Middleton Beach – a very generous stretch of sand – so please would dog owners desist from using the beach close to where people swim and where they know that they can walk without the risk of stepping on a dog mess. Today my friend asked someone very politely to adhere to the dog beach section and was rudely asked where her uniform was. When it was pointed out that it was not fair to swimmers, we were told that people don’t swim on the sand! The (local) dog owner then strode off with her two pets, leaving us bemused by her attitude. It spoilt our morning, it was unnecessary – and it would be good if the city’s rangers were out and about more often, even if it is a bit early! And I think we should start dobbing in dog owners who don’t stick to the rules. Anne Simpson.
Tags: Add new tag, beach, Dogs, Middleton Beach, swimmers
February 27th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Isn’t it a shame that people can’t respect each other in this modern world? Yes dog owner’s should definately keep to the designated part of the beach and this person was just the kind of person to give other dogs owners a bad name. The kind of person who has no control over their own emotions that leads to unruly dogs that are out of control and attack other dogs on the beach.The kind of person who ‘can’t be told’. The kind of person that see’s dogs euthanised through no fault of their own.
It would be fantastic if some kind of barrier could be placed between the two sections, even a tape pulled out daily which I believe would deter the naughty ones!
Finally, I’d like to make a point about children on the beach. In the same way as dogs owners need to be responsible, wouldn’t it be nice if parents could do the same? If you are out for a day at the beach and you don’t have a dog, please think about going to the dog section of the beach before you do. Dog owner’s in return, don’t need to be abused by parent’s shouting at them for their dog sniffing their child or their food or for wanting to play! Dogs and children do kick up sand….it’s a beach!
Children shouldn’t be touching stranger’s dogs in the first place and so if you are a parent and worried about your child being bitten, don’t go on the dog beach and teach your child not to touch!
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:06 am
I think your summary of people who don’t stick to the dog beach is a bit dramatic! They are not being cruel to their pets, they are simply not respecting other beach users and have an arrogant attitude that we can do without.
As for kids and dogs together, children need to be able to play without risk of being jumped at by dogs who want to play too. And there is nothing worse than having a dog lift its leg on your kid’s towel or beach gear. I certainly make sure that my family enjoy their paddles, play and swims away from exuberant dogs at the beach. Saves having to yell at dog owners, or protect a toddler from a natural curiosity at wanting to pat a strange dog. So we all have fun!