Delray officials want higher fines for bringing pets to the beach

[bigdoglover]

Sun-Sentinal

By Erika Slife

Delray Beach -- City commissioners are doggone tired of dogs on the beach.

They want code enforcement officers to fine violators $100 to $150 for bringing pets to the oceanfront, where they're not allowed. Currently, police officers can issue $50 "civil infractions."


Vice Mayor Rita Ellis said she and her husband were overrun during a recent picnic dinner at the beach."I counted 18 dogs that were participants of our picnic," Ellis said.

City Commissioners gave initial approval to the proposal Tuesday. A chance for residents to weigh in on the issue is scheduled for June 20 at City Hall.

"The owners, they're not trying to do harm or anything," said Ellis, who calls herself an animal lover. "They're trying to have fun with their pets, but it's just gotten to the point where I talked to a couple of people who were surprised that dogs weren't allowed because everybody's taking their dog down there."

Dog owners Joanna and John Lachance said they see so many dogs on the beach, they thought the city tolerated them. The Deerfield Beach residents bring their one-year-old toy poodle, Mookie, to enjoy the sand and ocean every couple of weeks.

"There's very few places you can bring your dogs," Joanna Lachance said.

The issue may reopen old wounds for some pet owners. In 2004, Palm Beach County commissioners closed down Dog Beach, a tiny seaside strip between Briny Breezes and Gulfstream Park, after residents complained about waste, dogfights and lack of parking and public restrooms. At the same time, county commissioners banned dogs from all other beaches in unincorporated Palm Beach County. Most cities also prohibit dogs from playing on their beaches.

"I understand the reason for the law because people are irresponsible and the few ruin it for the many," said Delray Beach resident Caleb Storer, who on Wednesday night was at the beach playing with his "pound puppies," Luke and Rascal.

"But at the same time, I take responsibility for my dogs," he said as his pets that "live to fetch" chased after a tennis ball into the ocean. Storer said he's even scooped up his dogs' waste with his bare hands.The only public dog beach left in the county, in Jupiter, has doggy bags for owners to pick up after their pets, said Stacey Rivera, administrative assistant for parks and recreation.

"It's very popular," she said. "I personally get phone calls from people in other areas inquiring as to where the location is, from as far away as Boynton Beach."

Delray Beach resident Teri Gilfilen said she would be visiting Jupiter soon with her 8-year-old boxer, Skye."We're citation number 0682," she said sadly. Skye was ticketed in April for playing on Delray Beach.

"I just think it's wrong," she said. "The beaches are a place of healing and beauty. I see a lot of us [dog owners] picking up the beach. It's our environment and we want to keep it healthy and clean."