Long Beach considers pilot program to allow dogs on the beach

Well, should dogs be allowed on the beach or boardwalk? That's the debate Long Beach residents are having tonight. And News 12's Jeremy Skiba was at the latest public hearing. Could you soon be taking your four-legged friend for a walk on Long Beach? The city council heard from neighbors Tuesday night about a proposal to allow dogs on the beach. I think they should allow it within reason. Right now, dogs are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk. boardwalk. But an online petition with more than 1,700 signatures is pushing for a pilot program that would allow dogs on the beach from October through April. I think it's good that there's not a lot of people around. I mean, I enjoy bringing my dog there in the colder weather and my dog enjoys it. People ain't all over the beach and I think it's less disruptive. While most people who spoke at the hearing supported the idea, others raised concerns about safety and cleanliness. This is what I care about. If somebody's dog rips up another dog, kills them, or a dog bites somebody. For over eight years, I regularly see people letting their dogs run loose and defecate on our beach. They're ruining it for everyone, including the responsible dog owners here. Some say stiffer fines could help keep dog owners in check. You can increase the fine for anybody who violates laws about not picking up after the dog. put it up to a thousand dollars let it be a true deterrent in Long Beach, Nassau County Jeremy Skiba, News 12 and the city council did not take a vote tonight instead it adjourned the public hearing until November 4th