MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Four-footed family members are not always welcome on some of Mossel Bay's beaches.
Dogs are not allowed on any of the Blue Flag beaches, especially while the Blue Flag is hoisted from 1 December to 31 January. These beaches are: Santos, De Bakke, Hartenbos, Little Brak River and Glentana.
During this period annually, dog owners are allowed to walk their dogs on certain beaches, only on the demarcated areas, between the hours of 05:00-08:00 and 18:00-20:00.
These are:
- Dias Beach - between the estuary and Bay View.
- Hartenbos - between the Hartenbos and Little Brak river mouths.
- Little Brak River - excluding the Blue Flag Beach, between the river mouth and the northern boundary of the parking lot, between Little Brak and Hartenbos river mouths.
- Reebok/Tergniet.
- Dana Bay - between First and Second beaches. The public must note that Second Beach in Dana Bay starts where Dana Bay Third Beach ends/starts, which is about 50m before the Blinde River.
- Souwesia.
During the period from 1 February to 30 November annually, dog owners are allowed to walk their dogs daily on the above-mentioned beaches.
Dog owners must also note the following:
- Dogs must be leashed and under the strict control of their owner or a dog walker at all times.
- Dogs must be under the control of their handlers and not interfere with the pleasure of others using public beach areas.
- Vicious dogs must be muzzled.
- Right of way must be given to people unaccompanied by dogs.
- Dog handlers are responsible for removing their dog's faeces from all areas used by pedestrians. Removal of faeces must be done immediately and placed in appropriate bins.
- Bitches on heat may not be walked in public beach areas.
- Dog handlers must ensure that their dogs do not disturb, chase or injure wildlife.
- Dog owners must comply with public beach notices.
- Dog handlers are to remain on public beach access areas, approved paths and tracks at all times. No new paths or shortcuts may be created.
Failure to comply may result in fines being issued by municipal law enforcement officers.
