By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT The borough will permit responsible pet owners to walk their leashed dogs on the beach from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. during the summer months.
The Board of Commissioners Thursday, June 15 held a public hearing during which residents spoke for an against approving an ordinance that would permit dog walking in the summertime. Dogs were prohibited from being on the beach between May 1 and Sept. 30.
Resident Anthony Zaccardi, vice president of the Townhouses of Longport condominium association, said members of his community expressed concerns about the safety of sunbathers, the ocean and the beach.
I don't see why we need it, he said.
Another residents said the borough would likely not see any difference in the amount of dog waste on the beach, and that because the borough does not have a dog park, allowing dogs on the beach for two hours a day would be appropriate.
Levon Lefty Clayton, who advocated to allow responsible dog owners to walk their dogs in the early morning hours, said he and other Longport residents who walk their dogs on the beach throughout the off-season would help patrol the beach for irresponsible dog owners.
It won't interfere with beachgoers. We will even pick up for irresponsible dog owners, he said.
Resident Bob English said he would give the benefit to reasonable pet owners, but asked who would enforce the ordinance.
Resident Bruce Funk, a longtime dog owner, also advocated to allow it.
We are responsible dog owners who cleanup after their dogs and will correct owners who let their dogs off leash. If we see it down there, we will enforce it.
The board voted 2-0 to approve the ordinance. Commissioner Jim Leeds Sr. was absent.
Mayor Nicholas Russo said he realizes the privilege could be abused, as he often sees dogs on the tennis and basketball courts, which he said is totally unacceptable.
He said he has received numerous calls and emails from residents on the topic.
More were in favor of trying it out, he said. If we see it's not working, we can change it. The onus is on the dog owners.
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