MARGATE – Charlotte “The Wonder Dog” will soon be getting her own ordinance.
Charlotte, who visits the beach daily regardless of inclement weather, will no longer be an interloper if the Board of Commissioners amends its beach ordinance following a public hearing at its next meeting, Feb. 6.
The board introduced an ordinance Jan. 16, revising the rules and regulations of Chapter 75-6 of the City Code which bans dogs on the beach. That regulation subjects violators to a $100 fine if they are caught on the beach. The revision, if approved, will allow dogs to be on the beach 6-8 a.m. from Memorial Day through Sept. 30, but they must be leashed.
Charlotte, a 4-year-old furry Great Pyrenees, doesn’t like the leash requirement, but she is happy to know that she will be legal, her pet parent Ed Berger said.
“If everyone is responsible, it will be great,” Berger said. “Being responsible means having dogs on a leash and picking up after your dog. And people should understand that not everyone loves dogs.”
“Hopefully, we can get away with no issues this summer,” Commissioner of Public Safety Cathy Horn said.
She said the city is getting prepared for the influx of visitors during the 2025 beach season and consulted with Police Chief Matthew Hankinson to develop the ordinance, which will allow police to enforce the law.
“He said the department cannot enforce a law if it’s not on the books,” Horn said. “He feels confident the department will now be able to respond to complaints. We are going to try it in the mornings and see how it goes.”
Horn said the city checked with the regulations in Ventnor and Longport before drafting the ordinance. Adopting the ordinance will allow anyone crossing the city boundaries while walking their “best friend” in the mornings will no longer be in jeopardy of being cited or getting a fine.
She is hoping residents and visitors will abide by the provisions of the ordinance so police officers can tackle other more pressing law enforcement issues during the 100 days of summer.
“A lot more people have pets these days and we’ll be ok with it as long as dogs are not running amok,” Horn said.
The hours will allow the beach rakes to clean the beach before it opens for bathing at 10 a.m.
Mayor Michael Collins said the commissioners often receive comments from both dog lovers and those who do not want to see them on the beach.
“Some have requested it, while others complain the dogs are not leashed,” he said. “We are tying to satisfy both sides by finding the middle ground.”
Also this week, Ventnor City issued a reminder for residents and visitors on its social media page that “dogs must always be leashed in public spaces to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone in the community.”
Violating Ventnor’s leash law could result in fines of $200 for the first offense, up to $1,500 for repeat violations, with the possibility of community service up to 90 days.
Longport has a similar regulation that allows tethered dogs on the beach during the off-season, and along the water’s edge 6:30-8:30 a.m. May 1 through Sept. 30.
Meanwhile, Charlotte, who bathes in the ocean daily – rain or shine, snow or sleet – said she is looking forward to her grooming regimen after her daily dip in the Atlantic, and an occasional trip to The Pet Salon.
Copyright Access Network 2025