Your Thoughts: Dogs on Local Beaches

Dogs just might be able to run legally on certain beaches at certain times in Southold Town since the first time since 1981. Southold Town Board members will present an updated version of an antiquated town law regarding the issue for public hearing later this month.

The board voted during a meeting last week to set the public hearing for Jan. 15 on amendments to Chapter 193 of town code, which Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said last summer was written in 1981 and did not allow dogs on beaches or any recreational area at all.

Here are some thoughts from readers on the issues:

“I think it is a good idea but I would like to hear more about the pros and cons. I am a dog owner and believe that dogs should be able to run on the beach as long as they do not pose a threat to others, particularly children, and people clean up after their pets. Since this is primarily an issue that affects summer enjoyment at the beach, I think summer residents/property owners should have more notice and time to weigh in.” — julie vasady-kovacs,

“With all the beaches we have in this town, we could certainly dedicate a section of one -- in each hamlet -- to man's best friend. And re: the dog park. I have seen a dog park where my daughter lives, that has a man made lake as part of the park for water loving dogs.” — Ditty51,

“I see more dog owners allowing their dogs to use the beach like a litter box. The owner walks over and just buries the mess with sand like nothing happened. It is impossible to police proper behavior of dog owners. Now some dogs are just wonderful as are their owners, other dogs can be more aggressive breeds that by nature are protective of their owner at the peril of another person using the beach. You have some well-trained dogs and others who have never been trained. Your only option is to pass a law to ban dogs which is too bad.” — Concerned,

“I spend a good amount of time at Bailie Beach, and have never seen dogs ‘harassing’ anyone, and think this is a great place for folks to take their non-aggressive dogs to play, socialize and exercise.. But, I do believe there should be stiff penalties for not picking up dog waste.” — mhorine1,