MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Certain beaches in the Mossel Bay area will be open to dogs and their owners come February 2014. Council resolved on Thursday, 28 November to allow dog owners to walk their dogs only on certain beaches, but under strict conditions and on a trail period.

At this stage, it is illegal to walk dogs on beaches, irrespective of whether the dogs are on leashes or not.
However, following an environmental impact assessment and public participation process, as of 1 February 2014, dogs will be allowed on certain beaches, providing their owners adhere to a strict code of conduct.

No dogs will be allowed on the beach from Glentana beach to the Great Brak River Mouth. The Mossel Bay Environmental Partnership (MEP) classified the impact of dog-walking on beaches and divided the different beaches into zones. No dogs will be allowed on Red Zone beaches, such as the Point.

Council resolved that dogs must at all times be leashed and under the strict control of the owner or dog walker. Vicious dogs must be muzzled. Dog faeces must be removed from all areas immediately and placed in appropriate bins or removed from site.
No female dog on heat may be walked in the public beach areas and dog handlers must at all times ensure that their dogs do not chase, hinder or injure wildlife.

Public beach areas notices must at all times be complied with and care must be taken that dog handlers remain on approved paths and tracks and that new paths or shortcuts are not created.

The assessment by MEP indicated that a clear need exists to allow residents to walk their dogs on local beaches. In addition, it is argued that law enforcement will be easier when beaches are opened.

What residents say
"It is about time that we be allowed to walk our dogs on beaches! I agree that regulations need to be in place and would recommend that an additional controls be put in place. Nervous dogs should wear a red scarf to allow others to see that the animal should not be approached and be given additional space", said Sean Snyman who regularly takes groups of people for organised walks with their dogs.

Craig Viljoen of Incident Support Services also supports the decision, saying that with the concession comes responsibility. "Owners should ensure that dog droppings are disposed of responsibly so that the beach remain a pleasant place for all beach goers".


Several dogs cannot wait for February 2014 when for the first time they will officially be allowed to walk their owners on some of Mossel Bay's beaches. Photo: Sean Snyman

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