Community Corner

Resident Peeved Over Dog Poop On Beach

With debate swirling over leashing dogs on Southold beaches, others ask owners to clean up after their dogs.

Just days after residents let their voices be heard about whether or not they believe dogs should be leashed on Southold Town beaches, at least one resident is incensed over a proliferation of poop.

On Saturday, Linda Auriemma, vice president for membership of the New Suffolk Civic Association, said she returned from a "sweep" of the New Suffolk beach with 21 separate deposits of dog poop found in the sand.

Auriemma said she reached out to Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell in a letter. "Whether it's with or without a leash, we have a major problem allowing dogs on our beach, at least in New Suffolk," she said. "The sad truth is that too many dog owners still have total disregard for the clean-up law, and they obviously care even less about  the health and cleanliness of our waters."

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The New Suffolk Civic Association, Auriemma said, looks forward to the community meeting on the issue of allowing dogs on the beach that Russell suggested at Tuesday's town board meeting.

"Personally, I've had dogs all my life, love them, and think that there is nothing better than taking your well-behaved dog to the beach for a run and a swim. It's really a terrible shame, though, that so many people continue to defy the law and use the beach as a dog toilet. What can we do to make these dog owners do the right thing?"

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The supervisor did not immediately return a request for comment.

Do you think the dog poop problem is out of hand on Southold Town beaches? What do you think can be done? Share your thoughts in the comments section.


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