Sir, – I write about cruelty to animals, with specific reference to “man’s best friend”.
People who live near the sea in Ireland who own a dog have the advantage that they can take their dog to a beach where they can roam free – safe from traffic.
The obvious exceptions are those who live near beaches in the area under the control of Dún Laoghaire County Council. Beaches, along with public parks, have been declared “out of bounds” for dogs who are not restrained by a leash. In public parks they are confined to a leash- free area (shades of how people were treated in the Boer war?)
About a decade ago dogs were prohibited from being on Killiney beach during “the bathing period” – defined as the months of June to September inclusive. This interdict caused problems for families who wished to take a picnic on the beach, as they would have been obliged to leave their dog at home. In my case, were I to have suggested to my children that our dog be left behind I would have been faced with rebellion in the ranks – a veiled threat of a phone call to the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – or worse, a report being made to their mother.
Recently Dún Laoghaire Council has expanded its bylaws to prohibit dogs on the beach area at any time of the year, except when on a leash.
Dogs have been recently offered a compromise in being allowed off leash on part of Killiney beach: this part can only be accessed by going on to roadway, whereas the portion normally accessed is by means of a tunnel under the road, and thus safe for both children and dogs.
A dog does not use public toilets but all responsible owners/minders clean up as required. There are always exceptions. If I were paid for every “poo” that I cleared up after a dog other than my own during the last 40 years I could have spent my summer in a warmer climate. It is, however, relevant to mention that on my walk to the beach recently I removed a jagged bottle bottom. If a swimmer were to choose between putting his foot on a dog poo or a jagged bottle-end he would undoubtedly choose the former.
There are winter swimmers who are now reluctant to enter the water on a deserted beach: in the past they relied on dog-walkers to raise the alarm should they have got into difficulties. The beach is now deserted because if a dog is to be restrained by a leash, or even on a lead, there is no point in them being on the beach: a walk around the block would be more relevant.
The 1,000 or so dog owners who have made their views known to the council, by letter or by e-mail, share my views. – Yours, etc,