No dogs allowed on Clinton beaches

[Global Paw]

Clinton -- The town is considering a ban of dogs on public beaches as well as other places and people are squaring off on the issue.

The ban under consideration is the sort of thing that people want to sound off on.

"I think its going to put us in a spot ... not having a nice place to walk our dog,"said Lynn Sauter of Clinton.

The narrow streets in the seaside community make walking a dog a dicey proposition but beaches, parks, and all athletic fields will be off limits if the ordinance under consideration will be adopted. The first offense would be a fine of $25.

"Several weeks ago when I was at the town beach I saw dogs running all over the place. That did concern me so we have a dog feces ordinance ... so this is something we're going to add to that,"said James McCusker, First Selectman.

"I think if the dog is leashed there's the safety for kids,"said Sauter,"I think if we pick up after our dogs they are just like kids, you have to train them to behave."

Fran Kelly of Wethersfield comes to the shoreline to relax and says that the proposed ordinance is a good idea.

"Kids play in parks and beaches and it's not sanitary,"said Kelly,"... there's a pooper scooper law but nobody picks up urine, it sinks into the sand."

Catherine Eadie is a pet owner but feels that the law will eventually be passed.

"I know I like to have my dog on the beach and I take care of my dog when it come down here but if people don't take care of their dogs this is the kid of law we're going to have to pass,"said Eadie.

[boxerlover]

Dogs are not allowed in beaches because if they have hookworms...the larvae live in the sand and can enter in human feet....I just learned about that.

[Pinscher Mum]

We have designated beach areas for dogs, but most beaches here have the signs for no dogs allowed.

In a way l guess its good, but its also sad as some doggies just simply love going for a swim in the beach.