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While many of the city’s beaches have a no-dogs-allowed policy, there are some where dogs are welcome at particular times only, beaches where only dogs on leashes are allowed, and those where dogs are allowed to run free. However, this sparked a recent debate: should beaches welcome four-legged friends or remain strictly off-limits to furry companions?
This issue of dog-friendly versus dog-free beaches has sparked intense discussion via social media, especially after residents in Big Bay, Bloubergstrand and Milnerton Lagoon noted the signage erected at most of the beaches, detailing the rules of the beach and if dogs are allowed or not.
Some claim they have never seen the signage while others say it has been there for some time.
“This pole might have been installed at Eden on the Bay a while back, I, however, have never noticed it and I walk my dog on the beach every morning. When did Eden on the Bay become a beach that doesn’t allow dogs?” Lee-Anne Curtis-Cox questioned.
She says this is of concern as one would technically be breaking the law, and can be fined if you are caught on the beach with your dog. “I just heard an appalling case of a guy being harassed on Sea Point promenade by city police due to taking his dog off lead while the dog was doing it’s business. He was threatened with arrest, but received a fine instead,” she says.
More waste than dogs
Tamzin le Roux, who stays in Milnerton, usually walks her dog at the dog-friendly Milnerton Lagoon.
“I understand that not all owners pick up their dog’s poo, but somehow it’s okay for sewage water to be pumped into the ocean. Ironic, right?”
Le Roux says the City provided signage at all beaches indicating if furry friends are allowed.
“Just take a quick peek at the entrance of the beach,” she says.
Another post by a resident said the reason she chose to live in Blouberg was to walk her dogs on the beach. “I have not seen the sign ever,” she says.
A resident also said that beaches with lifesaving stations don’t allow dogs.
“This should be fairly logical given that these beaches (especially during festive seasons) have a significant number of people and allowing any dogs on the beach is not a risk which the City can allow,” he said.
“Remember that as a dog owner (I am one) the by-laws indicate that whatever the status of the beach it is your responsibility that your dogs do not frighten, threaten or harm humans and other animals (including seals and seagulls), so why would you take the risk and take your dog to a beach full of people? As mentioned by someone earlier the Eden beach has never (in the 15 years we’ve lived here) allowed dogs and has at times had signs which have either been damaged or (illegally) removed many times,” he said.
Other residents claim that walking dogs on the beach should not be a concern as more waste is found on beaches than dogs.
Adhere to the rules
However, the City of Cape Town has made it very clear to beachgoers which beaches are dog-friendly via their website. The City of Cape Town’s 72 beaches have varying policies and a complete list is available.
Whichever beach you decide to take your dog to, adhere to the etiquette:
- Pick up your dog’s mess. People don’t like stepping in doggy doo. Don’t assume that the waves will wash it away. Use a poop scoop or a packet, and don’t bury the excrement in the sand.
- If the sign says dogs on a leash, keep your dog on the leash at all times. Beachgoers also read the signs and while they may not mind sharing the beach with your dog, they could take offence to your pet having free reign of the beach.
- Don’t assume that everyone loves dogs. Your happy puppy’s joy at seeing another person could be misconstrued as a sign of aggression and could result in a nasty incident.
- Even on beaches where dogs are allowed without leashes, watch your pet at all times. They could interfere with other dogs and people, destroy a child’s sandcastle or help themselves to someone else’s picnic.
- Your dog should obey your voice commands.
For more information and a full list of all the dog friendly or non-friendly beaches, visit www.capetown.gov.za
