Beach dog-walkers unhappy at fine

A trip to the beach could cost dog walkers dearly if they do not keep their pets on leashes this summer - the penalty is a R200 fine.

The City of Cape Town has jacked up its beach regulation enforcement for the holiday season, with an extra 100 law enforcement officials on beach patrol.

Some dog owners are unhappy about the city's sudden interest in law enforcement on the beach. More than five people were handed fines or let off with warnings for allowing their dogs to run free at Camps Bay beach on Tuesday morning.

Beach patrol officials warned Camps Bay housewife Judy Kaplan to put a leash on her dog. But Kaplan feels her pet cannot enjoy his playtime on a leash. She said she had walked her dogs on that beach almost every day for 43 years.

"During the winter, you never see the patrol here. They only decide to take action this time of year when the beach is busy," she said.

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Dog walkers are now also limited to a 9am cut-off time, when all dogs have to be off the beach.

Dog owner Dorly Viollier said she had been fined R200 after losing track of time while walking her dog on Camps Bay beach.

"We agree with the time period because children play on the beach during the day, but there should be facilities for residents to walk their dogs freely," said Viollier.

City spokesperson Charles Cooper said that, legally, dogs had to be on leashes in public areas. He said the city would be particularly vigilant during the summer season.

"We are definitely toughening up and on high alert for this period. Additional staff are also always on the cards at this time of year," said Cooper.

He said the beach patrols would also focus on consumption of alcohol in public and crimes such as muggings.

Src: Leila Samodien (IOL)

This article was originally published on page 5 of Cape Argus on November 29, 2006