Dog Beach visitors say new rules cause safety woes

[bigdoglover]

Press of Atlantic City

By Rachael Weeks

Maggie, an 11 year-old Labrador, had a hard time getting across a busy Ocean Avenue on Saturday afternoon, and she had an even harder time getting over the concrete barricades in front of Dog Beach, or as the state calls it, Malibu Beach Wildlife Management Area. At her old age, exercise is important and interaction with other dogs is priceless, so she'll put in the extra effort to play in the ocean and run on the beach.

Maggie's owners, Laura and Jim Catan, think the new parking and access regulations at Dog Beach are dangerous. They've spent that last three years living in Ocean City and bring Maggie to the only beach in the area that allows dogs.

“It's difficult crossing that street and getting over the road barriers,” Laura Catan said, “but if it's good for the birds, I guess that helps.”

No piping plover were available for comment.

Beachgoers' No. 1 concern was safety. Parking for Dog Beach is restricted to the parking lot at the fishing pier across the street — which was full and cars overflowed onto the shoulder of Ocean Avenue.

The walk across Ocean Drive can be dangerous. There is a curve with overgrown bushes blocking the view of oncoming traffic, and there are no street signs telling drivers slow down or watch for pedestrians.

For families bringing their children, coolers and man's best friend, the walk can be more than difficult.

Still, the smaller Dog Beach was filled with canines and their families Saturday afternoon, all abiding by the designated land restrictions, but very few had their dogs on leashes.

Many beachgoers didn't even know leashes were required.

“I don't like that,” said Jim Catan. He said he rarely sees confrontation between dogs or dogs wandering off into restricted areas.

There were no “Keep Dogs Leashed” signs anywhere near the beach.

Duke, a Great Dane the size of a small horse, was following restrictions and still having his fun on a leash. His owners, John and Linda Dikmak, think leashing the dogs is a good idea.

“Some (dogs) aren't as friendly as the rest,” John Dikmak said.

Duke's main problem was getting onto the beach. The barriers were too close together for him to fit through the passageway and too high for him to jump over.

But Duke, Maggie and the rest of the dogs at Dog Beach are doing all they can to enjoy a day in the ocean, even with the restrictions: They're just dealing with it.

[gsp4619]

Oh man this rocks!!!!!!! I go to Ocean City alot and I never ever knew they had a dog beach their. Of course it might be hetic but i will see. I knew on the off months you could bring your dog but did not know of this place.

That was a good find bigdoglover!!!!!