The off leash beaches are unpatrolled and unsuitable for swimming. They are not places to swim with your family and signs erected specifically state ‘no swimming’. These beaches provide the community of dog owners a place to walk with their dogs in an off leash environment. The beaches do not belong to a select group of residents who live the closest. They are for all to share. It’s a simple fact that we need spaces in our geographic setting to exercise our dogs. There are no suitable parks, the footpaths are uneven, perilously close to the road in places and the beach provides the ideal and ONLY space suitable. This is about sharing – if you prefer not to be around unleashed dogs, there are many alternative beaches in the immediate vicinity. Banning dogs because someones prefers not to have them on the beach is not in the interest of the wider community.
