LETTERS AND ARTICLES
A Record Number of Californians Are Visiting Emergency Rooms
for Dog Bites
By Phillip Reese
January 26, 2024
https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/dog-bite-increase-data-california-emergency-room-er/?utm_source=californialocal.com&utm_medium=californialocal&utm_campaign=CaliforniaLocal
Those pandemic puppies are growing up to be a public health concern.
The latest California data shows increased rates of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths from dog bites, with new records set after covid lockdowns. In 2022, there were 48,596 ER visits for dog bites in California, or 125 visits per 100,000 residents, a 70% increase in the rate of visits from 2005, according to the state Department of Health Care Access and Information.
The rate of hospitalizations roughly doubled from 2006 through 2022. And although deaths from dog bites are extremely rare, the death rate in California rose about 70% during roughly the same period, with 28 deaths in the state from 2018 through 2022. Nationally, dog bites were the underlying cause of 96 deaths in 2022, while the death rate more than doubled from 2005 to 2022, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Even before the pandemic, more Americans were welcoming dogs into their homes. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that households nationwide owned about 86 million dogs in 2020, up from about 62 million in 2001. The pandemic accelerated that trend as millions more people adopted puppies to provide companionship during a period of isolation.
But lockdowns kept puppies from being socialized, said Elizabeth Stelow, chief of the Behavior Service at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. For healthy development, she said, puppies need to learn acceptable behavior between their first three weeks and 16 weeks of life.
“You're supposed to socialize that puppy to new kinds of people, new kinds of animals, new kinds of places, new kinds of everything,” Stelow said. “Nobody was able to do that. So we're seeing the effects of that all the time right now.”
As poorly socialized puppies turn into adults, their bites can do more harm. From 2021 to 2022, the number of ER visits in California for dog bites grew 12%, marking the highest yearly total to date. Though a recent study did not show a nationwide increase in the rate of ER visits for dog bites from 2005 through 2018, several national studies did show a rise in the proportion of ER visits due to dog bites during the pandemic.
Another potential explanation is the popularity of breeds some people say are aggressive. Kenneth Phillips, one of the nation’s most prominent lawyers specializing in dog bite litigation, pinned much of the blame on pit bulls, which have become one of the most popular breeds in America. “Every study always comes up with the same conclusions, which is that this is the dog that does the most damage,” he said.
Some studies show pit bull bites are often associated with serious injury, while other studies assert that they are not a disproportionate threat. Stelow said a socialized and trained pit bull is not more dangerous than dogs of other breeds. “Why is the No. 1 dog demographic for dog bites pit bulls? Because they're a huge percentage of the canine population in California,” she said.
Phillips said animal shelters are increasingly under pressure to euthanize fewer dogs, meaning people wind up adopting more aggressive dogs without knowing it. The number of “no-kill” animal shelters has increased sharply in the last several years, according to Best Friends Animal Society. However, even no-kill shelters may euthanize aggressive dogs that cannot safely be adopted. A 2019 California law requires animal shelters and rescue groups to disclose a dog’s bite history to anyone adopting it.
A few years ago, a German shepherd was sitting next to a garage as Sacramento, California, postal worker Jacob Studer approached the driveway to make a delivery. The dog crept toward Studer as its owner called the dog. Studer said the dog attacked when he began to pull up his mail bag.
“The dog jumped up, grabbed my arm, bit my arm, and then pretty much ripped my sleeve up and knocked me to the ground,” he said. “I fell backwards and did almost like a little somersault.”
Studer was not seriously injured and didn’t go to the hospital. However, he said the dog’s owner decided not to keep it.
State figures and a recent study by public health researchers show that, in California, children and young adults are the age groups most likely to make ER visits for dog bites. Nationwide, children under 5 were more than twice as likely to die from dog bites as members of other age groups, according to CDC data from 2018 to 2022.
Randall T. Loder, professor emeritus of orthopedic surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine, said the most serious injuries from dog bites often involve the head and neck, making little children especially vulnerable.
“Younger people, they don't understand the risks of a dog,” said Loder, who authored a recent study of tens of thousands of dog bite injuries. “They're vulnerable.”
His study estimated the annual health care cost of treating dog bites is at least $400 million nationwide. Dog bites can lead to infections or transmit serious diseases like rabies.
In California, serious dog bite injuries are more common in rural areas. The rate of ER encounters for dog bites in 2022 was almost 50% higher in counties with fewer than 200,000 people. Modoc, Inyo, Lake, and Siskiyou counties had the highest rates of ER encounters.
Stelow said dogs in rural areas are often not as socialized as their urban cousins. Rural residents also tend to have more dogs.
Stelow said owners of aggressive dogs should reach out early to a veterinarian, particularly one specializing in animal behavior. She said owners should learn to recognize anxiety in dogs and understand their body language. For instance, dogs that are frightened may attempt to flee, fight, fret and fidget, or freeze.
“For the dogs that are already in that situation where they are biting people,” Stelow said, “they need to come see someone who can work with the emotional damage that's been done and try to correct it.”
Phillip Reese is a data reporting specialist and an associate professor of journalism at California State University-Sacramento.
This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
January 26, 2024
https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/dog-bite-increase-data-california-emergency-room-er/?utm_source=californialocal.com&utm_medium=californialocal&utm_campaign=CaliforniaLocal
Those pandemic puppies are growing up to be a public health concern.
The latest California data shows increased rates of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths from dog bites, with new records set after covid lockdowns. In 2022, there were 48,596 ER visits for dog bites in California, or 125 visits per 100,000 residents, a 70% increase in the rate of visits from 2005, according to the state Department of Health Care Access and Information.
The rate of hospitalizations roughly doubled from 2006 through 2022. And although deaths from dog bites are extremely rare, the death rate in California rose about 70% during roughly the same period, with 28 deaths in the state from 2018 through 2022. Nationally, dog bites were the underlying cause of 96 deaths in 2022, while the death rate more than doubled from 2005 to 2022, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Even before the pandemic, more Americans were welcoming dogs into their homes. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that households nationwide owned about 86 million dogs in 2020, up from about 62 million in 2001. The pandemic accelerated that trend as millions more people adopted puppies to provide companionship during a period of isolation.
But lockdowns kept puppies from being socialized, said Elizabeth Stelow, chief of the Behavior Service at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. For healthy development, she said, puppies need to learn acceptable behavior between their first three weeks and 16 weeks of life.
“You're supposed to socialize that puppy to new kinds of people, new kinds of animals, new kinds of places, new kinds of everything,” Stelow said. “Nobody was able to do that. So we're seeing the effects of that all the time right now.”
As poorly socialized puppies turn into adults, their bites can do more harm. From 2021 to 2022, the number of ER visits in California for dog bites grew 12%, marking the highest yearly total to date. Though a recent study did not show a nationwide increase in the rate of ER visits for dog bites from 2005 through 2018, several national studies did show a rise in the proportion of ER visits due to dog bites during the pandemic.
Another potential explanation is the popularity of breeds some people say are aggressive. Kenneth Phillips, one of the nation’s most prominent lawyers specializing in dog bite litigation, pinned much of the blame on pit bulls, which have become one of the most popular breeds in America. “Every study always comes up with the same conclusions, which is that this is the dog that does the most damage,” he said.
Some studies show pit bull bites are often associated with serious injury, while other studies assert that they are not a disproportionate threat. Stelow said a socialized and trained pit bull is not more dangerous than dogs of other breeds. “Why is the No. 1 dog demographic for dog bites pit bulls? Because they're a huge percentage of the canine population in California,” she said.
Phillips said animal shelters are increasingly under pressure to euthanize fewer dogs, meaning people wind up adopting more aggressive dogs without knowing it. The number of “no-kill” animal shelters has increased sharply in the last several years, according to Best Friends Animal Society. However, even no-kill shelters may euthanize aggressive dogs that cannot safely be adopted. A 2019 California law requires animal shelters and rescue groups to disclose a dog’s bite history to anyone adopting it.
A few years ago, a German shepherd was sitting next to a garage as Sacramento, California, postal worker Jacob Studer approached the driveway to make a delivery. The dog crept toward Studer as its owner called the dog. Studer said the dog attacked when he began to pull up his mail bag.
“The dog jumped up, grabbed my arm, bit my arm, and then pretty much ripped my sleeve up and knocked me to the ground,” he said. “I fell backwards and did almost like a little somersault.”
Studer was not seriously injured and didn’t go to the hospital. However, he said the dog’s owner decided not to keep it.
State figures and a recent study by public health researchers show that, in California, children and young adults are the age groups most likely to make ER visits for dog bites. Nationwide, children under 5 were more than twice as likely to die from dog bites as members of other age groups, according to CDC data from 2018 to 2022.
Randall T. Loder, professor emeritus of orthopedic surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine, said the most serious injuries from dog bites often involve the head and neck, making little children especially vulnerable.
“Younger people, they don't understand the risks of a dog,” said Loder, who authored a recent study of tens of thousands of dog bite injuries. “They're vulnerable.”
His study estimated the annual health care cost of treating dog bites is at least $400 million nationwide. Dog bites can lead to infections or transmit serious diseases like rabies.
In California, serious dog bite injuries are more common in rural areas. The rate of ER encounters for dog bites in 2022 was almost 50% higher in counties with fewer than 200,000 people. Modoc, Inyo, Lake, and Siskiyou counties had the highest rates of ER encounters.
Stelow said dogs in rural areas are often not as socialized as their urban cousins. Rural residents also tend to have more dogs.
Stelow said owners of aggressive dogs should reach out early to a veterinarian, particularly one specializing in animal behavior. She said owners should learn to recognize anxiety in dogs and understand their body language. For instance, dogs that are frightened may attempt to flee, fight, fret and fidget, or freeze.
“For the dogs that are already in that situation where they are biting people,” Stelow said, “they need to come see someone who can work with the emotional damage that's been done and try to correct it.”
Phillip Reese is a data reporting specialist and an associate professor of journalism at California State University-Sacramento.
This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
Gone to the Dogs
Man’s best friend is a shorebird’s worst enemy. What will it take to control beach dogs—and, more importantly, their owners?
"... most dogs love the beach. But the beach doesn’t love our dogs. A growing body of literature suggests that Canis lupus familiaris has become a significant force of disturbance along the world’s shorelines—not just the packs of feral dogs who roam some less regulated shores, but the domestic pooches whose well-meaning owners, like me, turn them loose for a romp in the sand. Dogs have been known to maul seal pups, outcompete eagles for dead fish, and dig up turtle nests. They save their worst harms for shorebirds, killing chicks, crushing eggs, and forcing migrating birds to burn more calories than they can spare. 'Man’s best friend,' researchers concluded in 2011 with typical scientific understatement, 'may not be wildlife’s best steward.'"
“Every time you’re forcing birds to fly down the beach, the gas tank is going toward empty,” Newstead says. “If they can’t take in more energy than they’re expending on that beach, they’re eventually going to leave. It’s functional habitat loss.” When Newstead gently reprimands dog owners, he appeals to analogy and sympathy: imagine you’ve just gotten home from work and want nothing more than to chill on the couch with a beer—and then a pack of barking dogs tears into the house and chases you outside, over and over again. “Sometimes they grudgingly put their dog back on a leash,” he says. “Sometimes they just say to hell with you.”
Click HERE to read more.
Click HERE to read more.
Leash laws are there to protect park visitors
Santa Cruz Sentinel | LTE
February 12, 2023
I’m sorry Mr. Rhodes was injured (Sentinel, Jan. 30), but what about all the people disturbed by off-leash dogs running wild? And the critters at low tide being stomped on by large dogs running wild? Dogs are not allowed on Four Mile Beach to begin with and it sounds like his was running wild while he surfed.
I encourage more officers to give more tickets in the parks where leash laws are often not respected. I frequent Twin Lakes Park, New Brighton Beach, Four Mile Beach, and others, and often I’ve encountered rude people when I ask them to please leash their dogs.
The laws are there to protect people and critters. Please respect them and those of us who don’t want to be assaulted by dogs. More surveillance, more tickets and fewer “warnings” should improve the situation for the majority who want to enjoy nature without being accosted by a dog off leash. And many thanks to dog owners who are respecting the laws.
— Robby Labovitz, Santa Cruz
February 12, 2023
I’m sorry Mr. Rhodes was injured (Sentinel, Jan. 30), but what about all the people disturbed by off-leash dogs running wild? And the critters at low tide being stomped on by large dogs running wild? Dogs are not allowed on Four Mile Beach to begin with and it sounds like his was running wild while he surfed.
I encourage more officers to give more tickets in the parks where leash laws are often not respected. I frequent Twin Lakes Park, New Brighton Beach, Four Mile Beach, and others, and often I’ve encountered rude people when I ask them to please leash their dogs.
The laws are there to protect people and critters. Please respect them and those of us who don’t want to be assaulted by dogs. More surveillance, more tickets and fewer “warnings” should improve the situation for the majority who want to enjoy nature without being accosted by a dog off leash. And many thanks to dog owners who are respecting the laws.
— Robby Labovitz, Santa Cruz
Surfer’s lawsuit over leash arrest seems ‘frivolous’
Santa Cruz Sentinel | Letters to the Editor
February 1, 2023
Oh boy, I don’t know any of the parties involved in this front page sensational story regarding Shawn Rhodes and his lawsuit against California park rangers who requested that he leash his dog. The extreme language in the piece states “violent arrest” and use of “excessive force.” As I continued reading I see that Yoda the Lab is licking the faces of the officers during the “violent act” on its owner. I came to the conclusion that an aging surfer with impressive career on the big waves and a surfer since age 12 needs shoulder surgery not from the “violent act” but from years of use.
Then I thought if Yoda could talk, he might say, “Dude, just carry a dog leash with you.” Not front page worthy and seems like a very frivolous lawsuit.
— Pamela Kearby, Santa Cruz
February 1, 2023
Oh boy, I don’t know any of the parties involved in this front page sensational story regarding Shawn Rhodes and his lawsuit against California park rangers who requested that he leash his dog. The extreme language in the piece states “violent arrest” and use of “excessive force.” As I continued reading I see that Yoda the Lab is licking the faces of the officers during the “violent act” on its owner. I came to the conclusion that an aging surfer with impressive career on the big waves and a surfer since age 12 needs shoulder surgery not from the “violent act” but from years of use.
Then I thought if Yoda could talk, he might say, “Dude, just carry a dog leash with you.” Not front page worthy and seems like a very frivolous lawsuit.
— Pamela Kearby, Santa Cruz
Dog leash and rangers: Surfer’s ego more injured
Santa Cruz Sentinel | Letters to the Editor
February 1, 2023
So Mr. Rhodes has been surfing 4 Mile Beach since he was 12 (judging from his picture, two or three decades) and he was unaware of the leash law (Sentinel, Jan. 30)? My guess is that Rhodes was likely reprimanded by rangers prior to this encounter, possibly numerous times, and if he had any intention of putting Yoda on a leash Rhodes would have had a dog leash with him.
If Rhodes was flouting the law and openly defying the rangers it wouldn’t excuse the use of excessive force, but I have a feeling Rhodes’ ego is more injured than his shoulder.
— Jenni Gomez, Felton
February 1, 2023
So Mr. Rhodes has been surfing 4 Mile Beach since he was 12 (judging from his picture, two or three decades) and he was unaware of the leash law (Sentinel, Jan. 30)? My guess is that Rhodes was likely reprimanded by rangers prior to this encounter, possibly numerous times, and if he had any intention of putting Yoda on a leash Rhodes would have had a dog leash with him.
If Rhodes was flouting the law and openly defying the rangers it wouldn’t excuse the use of excessive force, but I have a feeling Rhodes’ ego is more injured than his shoulder.
— Jenni Gomez, Felton
Dogs are again harming wildlife on SC beaches
Santa Cruz Sentinel | Letters to the Editor
May 22, 2022
I am a local resident and walk the Cowell’s and Boardwalk beaches every morning.
There are an increasing number of dogs on the beaches this spring. This morning I witnessed an off leash doodle harassing and nipping at an injured bird who had come on to shore to pass. The dog owner could not get the dog away from the bird by demand and was chasing the dog while it continued to yelp and nip at the bird who was in quite a flutter yet helpless to get away.
Please dog owners, comply with the no dogs allowed city ordinance. Have compassion for the birds, seals, dolphins and other creatures who regularly wash up or come onto shore to pass in peace. The beach is their natural habitat and they have the right to die peacefully without harassment or fear.
Thank you.
— Nisa Moore, Santa Cruz
May 22, 2022
I am a local resident and walk the Cowell’s and Boardwalk beaches every morning.
There are an increasing number of dogs on the beaches this spring. This morning I witnessed an off leash doodle harassing and nipping at an injured bird who had come on to shore to pass. The dog owner could not get the dog away from the bird by demand and was chasing the dog while it continued to yelp and nip at the bird who was in quite a flutter yet helpless to get away.
Please dog owners, comply with the no dogs allowed city ordinance. Have compassion for the birds, seals, dolphins and other creatures who regularly wash up or come onto shore to pass in peace. The beach is their natural habitat and they have the right to die peacefully without harassment or fear.
Thank you.
— Nisa Moore, Santa Cruz
Planning Commission Denies Key Permit for Off-Leash Dog Pilot Program at Pillar Point Bluff
Green Foothills
by Lennie Roberts
February 22, 2022
On February 9, the San Mateo County Planning Commission put wildlife and public safety first as it voted 3-1 to deny a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for an Off-Leash Dog Pilot Program at Pillar Point Bluff. While the Commissioners would have approved the CDP for the program at Quarry Park, which we supported, the Parks Director advised against it citing the Board of Supervisors’ approval of the program at both parks.
Click HERE to read more ...
by Lennie Roberts
February 22, 2022
On February 9, the San Mateo County Planning Commission put wildlife and public safety first as it voted 3-1 to deny a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for an Off-Leash Dog Pilot Program at Pillar Point Bluff. While the Commissioners would have approved the CDP for the program at Quarry Park, which we supported, the Parks Director advised against it citing the Board of Supervisors’ approval of the program at both parks.
Click HERE to read more ...
Dog feces and urine could be harming nature reserves
New research finds that dogs being walked in nature reserves contribute a significant amount of nutrients to the environment through their feces and urine, which researchers warn could negatively impact local biodiversity. The research is published in the British Ecological Society journal, Ecological Solutions and Evidence.
Significant levels of fertilization
Researchers at Ghent University have estimated that each year dog feces and urine add an average of 11kg of nitrogen and 5kg of phosphorous per hectare to nature reserves near the Belgian city of Ghent. The researchers say that the nutrients added through this neglected form of fertilization are substantial and could be detrimental to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
The estimates for the amount of nitrogen being added by this previously unrecorded source are particularly significant when compared to the total levels of nitrogen being added across most of Europe through fossil fuel emissions and agriculture, which range from 5 to 25kg of nitrogen per hectare.
Professor Pieter De Frenne of Ghent University and lead author of the research said: "We were surprised by how high nutrient inputs from dogs could be. Atmospheric nitrogen inputs from agriculture, industry and traffic rightfully receive a lot of policy attention, but dogs are entirely neglected in this respect."
The researchers call for land managers, especially in low nutrient ecosystems, to emphasize the negative fertilization effects of dogs to visitors, encouraging them to remove their dogs' feces. They also call for leash use to be enforced more stringently and the establishment of more off-leash dog parks to reduce the pressure on nature reserves.
Dogs on leashes and owners removing feces have big impacts
In the experiment, which calculated the amount of nutrients dogs were adding to the environment by recording the number of dogs present in four nature reserves, the researchers modeled different scenarios including if the dogs were on or off leashes and if owners picked up dog feces.
When the researchers modeled a scenario where all dogs were kept on leashes (legally required in all these reserves) they found that this reduced the fertilization rates in the largest part of the reserves but strongly increased fertilization rates in the small areas around paths. Over a year this input was as high as 175 kg of nitrogen and 73 kg of phosphorus per hectare.
Professor De Frenne said: "In our scenario where all dogs were kept on leashes, we found that in these concentrated areas around paths, nutrient inputs of both nitrogen and phosphorus exceeded legal limits for fertilization of agricultural land. Which is quite staggering as our study concerned nature reserves!"
In a scenario where dogs were on leashes, but all owners picked up their dogs' feces, the researchers found that this reduced fertilization levels by 56% for nitrogen and 97% for phosphorus. This is due to dog feces accounting for nearly all phosphorous being deposited whereas nitrogen is deposited equally by both feces and urine.
Increased nutrients a problem for nature reserves
The addition of nutrients to nature reserves might sound beneficial as these lead to increased plant growth, however, this mostly occurs in a limited number of nutrient demanding species that outcompete rarer specialists, reducing biodiversity.
"In many nature reserves, the management is specifically directed towards lowering soil nutrient levels to enhance plant and animal biodiversity. This can be done through methods like mowing and hay removal." Explains Professor De Frenne. "Our findings suggest that the currently neglected inputs of dogs in nature reserves could delay restoration goals."
Calculating nutrient levels
To estimate the amount of nutrients dogs were adding to the environment, the researchers first calculated dog abundance per hectare, per year, by counting dogs in four nature reserves close to the city of Ghent, Belgium. These counts were performed on 487 occasions over 18 months. They then performed a literature search of nutrient concentrations in dog urine and feces to model different scenarios.
While this method meant that researchers could accurately calculate the abundance of dogs in the nature reserves, estimations had to be made based on the average dog and average volumes of urine and mass of feces, as well as estimates of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations.
The researchers say that their data could be improved by recording breeds of dogs, as well as their size, weight and the number of urine and fecal deposits, for instance, by asking owners. The researchers also suggest that georeferencing dog feces and urine locations could further help to detect fertilization 'hot spots'.
Significant levels of fertilization
Researchers at Ghent University have estimated that each year dog feces and urine add an average of 11kg of nitrogen and 5kg of phosphorous per hectare to nature reserves near the Belgian city of Ghent. The researchers say that the nutrients added through this neglected form of fertilization are substantial and could be detrimental to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
The estimates for the amount of nitrogen being added by this previously unrecorded source are particularly significant when compared to the total levels of nitrogen being added across most of Europe through fossil fuel emissions and agriculture, which range from 5 to 25kg of nitrogen per hectare.
Professor Pieter De Frenne of Ghent University and lead author of the research said: "We were surprised by how high nutrient inputs from dogs could be. Atmospheric nitrogen inputs from agriculture, industry and traffic rightfully receive a lot of policy attention, but dogs are entirely neglected in this respect."
The researchers call for land managers, especially in low nutrient ecosystems, to emphasize the negative fertilization effects of dogs to visitors, encouraging them to remove their dogs' feces. They also call for leash use to be enforced more stringently and the establishment of more off-leash dog parks to reduce the pressure on nature reserves.
Dogs on leashes and owners removing feces have big impacts
In the experiment, which calculated the amount of nutrients dogs were adding to the environment by recording the number of dogs present in four nature reserves, the researchers modeled different scenarios including if the dogs were on or off leashes and if owners picked up dog feces.
When the researchers modeled a scenario where all dogs were kept on leashes (legally required in all these reserves) they found that this reduced the fertilization rates in the largest part of the reserves but strongly increased fertilization rates in the small areas around paths. Over a year this input was as high as 175 kg of nitrogen and 73 kg of phosphorus per hectare.
Professor De Frenne said: "In our scenario where all dogs were kept on leashes, we found that in these concentrated areas around paths, nutrient inputs of both nitrogen and phosphorus exceeded legal limits for fertilization of agricultural land. Which is quite staggering as our study concerned nature reserves!"
In a scenario where dogs were on leashes, but all owners picked up their dogs' feces, the researchers found that this reduced fertilization levels by 56% for nitrogen and 97% for phosphorus. This is due to dog feces accounting for nearly all phosphorous being deposited whereas nitrogen is deposited equally by both feces and urine.
Increased nutrients a problem for nature reserves
The addition of nutrients to nature reserves might sound beneficial as these lead to increased plant growth, however, this mostly occurs in a limited number of nutrient demanding species that outcompete rarer specialists, reducing biodiversity.
"In many nature reserves, the management is specifically directed towards lowering soil nutrient levels to enhance plant and animal biodiversity. This can be done through methods like mowing and hay removal." Explains Professor De Frenne. "Our findings suggest that the currently neglected inputs of dogs in nature reserves could delay restoration goals."
Calculating nutrient levels
To estimate the amount of nutrients dogs were adding to the environment, the researchers first calculated dog abundance per hectare, per year, by counting dogs in four nature reserves close to the city of Ghent, Belgium. These counts were performed on 487 occasions over 18 months. They then performed a literature search of nutrient concentrations in dog urine and feces to model different scenarios.
While this method meant that researchers could accurately calculate the abundance of dogs in the nature reserves, estimations had to be made based on the average dog and average volumes of urine and mass of feces, as well as estimates of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations.
The researchers say that their data could be improved by recording breeds of dogs, as well as their size, weight and the number of urine and fecal deposits, for instance, by asking owners. The researchers also suggest that georeferencing dog feces and urine locations could further help to detect fertilization 'hot spots'.
Dog killed, woman hospitalized after dog attack in Monterey
KSBW
Christopher Salas
September 12, 2020
https://www.ksbw.com/article/its-just-not-safe-dog-killed-woman-hospitalized-after-dog-attack-in-monterey/33998725
A Monterey man is being cited with three misdemeanors after his dogs killed a dog, injured another and sent a woman to the hospital, according to Monterey Police.
Police said two Italian Mastiffs attacked a woman who was walking her two dogs on Cielo Vista Drive around 11:30 Thursday morning.
"I heard screaming and I knew exactly what it was," said Cielo Vista resident Jennifer Murphy, who rushed the dogs to the veterinarian's office in her car.
One of the dogs, Cleopatra, died while the other dog was injured. The owner of the dog was hospitalized after being bitten on the hand and another neighbor was bitten on the leg when he came to help by striking the dogs with a wooden cane, police said in a press release.
The dogs were seized by police and the owner was identified as Leslie Flores. Flores was barred from letting his dogs roam free under a previous order issued by the city of Monterey.
"I'm just grateful that my neighbor survived, both of them," Murphy said. "There are neighbors on the other side of the hill who don't want to walk around here any more because they know it's not entirely safe."
Murphy said Flores' dogs have been responsible for several attacks including one on her own dog, Bixby, 2 years ago.
"The dog lunged, he was on a tether but it broke loose. She was mauled sort of in the face, throat and abdomen," Murphy said.
Murphy said the injuries resulted in $3,000 worth of surgery and Flores' dog was put down. But he has not followed the order to keep his other dogs on a leash or inside and it has caused fear in the neighborhood.
"I think the city has tried to provide some guidelines and I don't think the family is able to care for them well," Murphy said. "It just really feels like a safety issue. I have two young kids, my neighbors have two young kids. That's what's alarming and it's just not safe."
The dogs were removed from Flores' custody following the attack and Monterey Police are petitioning a judge to have been removed from his custody.
The Monterey Police Department said based on the nature of the attack, the department will, "petition the court to declare the dogs as vicious and not allow the Mastiffs to be returned to the owner. The City will request that Flores be prevented from owning any dogs for a period of three years."
Christopher Salas
September 12, 2020
https://www.ksbw.com/article/its-just-not-safe-dog-killed-woman-hospitalized-after-dog-attack-in-monterey/33998725
A Monterey man is being cited with three misdemeanors after his dogs killed a dog, injured another and sent a woman to the hospital, according to Monterey Police.
Police said two Italian Mastiffs attacked a woman who was walking her two dogs on Cielo Vista Drive around 11:30 Thursday morning.
"I heard screaming and I knew exactly what it was," said Cielo Vista resident Jennifer Murphy, who rushed the dogs to the veterinarian's office in her car.
One of the dogs, Cleopatra, died while the other dog was injured. The owner of the dog was hospitalized after being bitten on the hand and another neighbor was bitten on the leg when he came to help by striking the dogs with a wooden cane, police said in a press release.
The dogs were seized by police and the owner was identified as Leslie Flores. Flores was barred from letting his dogs roam free under a previous order issued by the city of Monterey.
"I'm just grateful that my neighbor survived, both of them," Murphy said. "There are neighbors on the other side of the hill who don't want to walk around here any more because they know it's not entirely safe."
Murphy said Flores' dogs have been responsible for several attacks including one on her own dog, Bixby, 2 years ago.
"The dog lunged, he was on a tether but it broke loose. She was mauled sort of in the face, throat and abdomen," Murphy said.
Murphy said the injuries resulted in $3,000 worth of surgery and Flores' dog was put down. But he has not followed the order to keep his other dogs on a leash or inside and it has caused fear in the neighborhood.
"I think the city has tried to provide some guidelines and I don't think the family is able to care for them well," Murphy said. "It just really feels like a safety issue. I have two young kids, my neighbors have two young kids. That's what's alarming and it's just not safe."
The dogs were removed from Flores' custody following the attack and Monterey Police are petitioning a judge to have been removed from his custody.
The Monterey Police Department said based on the nature of the attack, the department will, "petition the court to declare the dogs as vicious and not allow the Mastiffs to be returned to the owner. The City will request that Flores be prevented from owning any dogs for a period of three years."
Unofficial dog beach at Santa Ana River jetty to get more signs to stay away
LA Times
July 9, 2020
By Hillary Davis
The California Coastal Commission has cleared Orange County to place more “no trespassing” signs at the mouth of the Santa Ana River to keep dogs and people away from sensitive bird habitat nearby, although birders and commissioners both wonder how much good it will really do.
The commission agreed to signage Wednesday specifically targeting commercial dog-walkers, who bring packs of often off-leash dogs along with individual dog owners to the jetty where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. That’s because commercial dog-walking, commission staff argues, is potential “development” in violation of the state Coastal Act, in addition to long-known but little-enforced bans on dogs on county beaches, leash laws, and dogs and humans in a flood control channel that the county says is unsafe for either to enter.
Nardy Khan, from Orange County Public Works, said the county is working on a solution but it’s difficult for sheriff’s deputies to enforce trespassing laws along all the hundreds of miles of flood control channels in the county’s jurisdiction. Deputies take an educational approach, preferring warnings to tickets.
Commissioner Erik Howell wants enforcement. He said this plan doesn’t go far enough, and he’s not sure it will make a difference.
“All this feels very familiar,” he said, explaining why he was the only one of 10 commissioners to vote against the proposal. “I think it’s going to be very difficult to get compliance. I think there needs to be more signs. There needs to be more enforcement. There’s such thing as private attorney general too, and if the county can’t enforce it, then maybe somebody else needs to.”
July 9, 2020
By Hillary Davis
The California Coastal Commission has cleared Orange County to place more “no trespassing” signs at the mouth of the Santa Ana River to keep dogs and people away from sensitive bird habitat nearby, although birders and commissioners both wonder how much good it will really do.
The commission agreed to signage Wednesday specifically targeting commercial dog-walkers, who bring packs of often off-leash dogs along with individual dog owners to the jetty where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. That’s because commercial dog-walking, commission staff argues, is potential “development” in violation of the state Coastal Act, in addition to long-known but little-enforced bans on dogs on county beaches, leash laws, and dogs and humans in a flood control channel that the county says is unsafe for either to enter.
Nardy Khan, from Orange County Public Works, said the county is working on a solution but it’s difficult for sheriff’s deputies to enforce trespassing laws along all the hundreds of miles of flood control channels in the county’s jurisdiction. Deputies take an educational approach, preferring warnings to tickets.
Commissioner Erik Howell wants enforcement. He said this plan doesn’t go far enough, and he’s not sure it will make a difference.
“All this feels very familiar,” he said, explaining why he was the only one of 10 commissioners to vote against the proposal. “I think it’s going to be very difficult to get compliance. I think there needs to be more signs. There needs to be more enforcement. There’s such thing as private attorney general too, and if the county can’t enforce it, then maybe somebody else needs to.”
An endangered western snowy plover parent keeps a close watch on its chick on the Huntington Beach side of the mouth of the Santa Ana River on Wednesday. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)
Click HERE to read the full article.
Click HERE to read the full article.
Edinburgh girl, 5, left with broken leg after being 'skittled' by two dogs on Fife beach
The Scotsman
July 28, 2020
"Medics at the hospital told the family these sorts of incidents happen more often than people might think, usually with older people being left with broken or twisted ankles as a result of being knocked over by dogs off the lead."
"X-rays taken at the time showed a clean break of Maggie's left femur bone just a few centimetres above the knee cap."
Click HERE to read more.
July 28, 2020
"Medics at the hospital told the family these sorts of incidents happen more often than people might think, usually with older people being left with broken or twisted ankles as a result of being knocked over by dogs off the lead."
"X-rays taken at the time showed a clean break of Maggie's left femur bone just a few centimetres above the knee cap."
Click HERE to read more.
Off-leash pit bull attacks dog at Soquel park
By: Megan Meier
https://www.kion546.com/news/dog-owners-speak-out-after-pit-bull-attacked-by-dog-off-leash-in-leashed-area/1076752590
May 11, 2019
SOQUEL, Calif.
Pip, a 3-year-old pit bull, wears a cone around her neck. She was left with severe wounds after another pit bull attacked her, Tuesday night at Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel. ”I just wanted to break them up, but it wasn't easy," said owner and family nanny, Melanie Vick.
Vick said she was walking Pip when it happened. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter works closely with the county parks department. The county requires dogs to remain leashed in the area, but Pip's owners said this isn't always the case. "We saw two dogs that were loose, off leash. We walked with Pip on a leash. This other dog, a pit bull, just came up and attacked," said Vick.
By the time Vick had a chance to ask the dog's owner why his pet wasn't on a leash, he was gone. Pip's owners said they are left wondering why some break county rules. "I think they get complacent. I think they think that they know their dogs and that they're friendly. In reality, they are animals," said the dog's primary owner, Alicia Hall.
Hall said she wants the county to pay more attention to small community parks, like Anna Jean Cummings. The County Animal Shelter said sending its officers out to parks, that are frequented by people and their pets, is a priority.
"We do try to do proactive patrols, whenever we can, to the areas that we get the most complaints on about dogs being off-leash," said Melanie Sobel, general manager at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.
Sobel said Anna Jean Cummings Park is one of the areas they receive the most calls about regarding off-leash dogs.
Vick and Hall said the park is a place they will continue to visit, but not without caution. "I would never have Pip off-leash. I guess it's a responsibility thing. I guess this is happening a lot," said Hall.
https://www.kion546.com/news/dog-owners-speak-out-after-pit-bull-attacked-by-dog-off-leash-in-leashed-area/1076752590
May 11, 2019
SOQUEL, Calif.
Pip, a 3-year-old pit bull, wears a cone around her neck. She was left with severe wounds after another pit bull attacked her, Tuesday night at Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel. ”I just wanted to break them up, but it wasn't easy," said owner and family nanny, Melanie Vick.
Vick said she was walking Pip when it happened. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter works closely with the county parks department. The county requires dogs to remain leashed in the area, but Pip's owners said this isn't always the case. "We saw two dogs that were loose, off leash. We walked with Pip on a leash. This other dog, a pit bull, just came up and attacked," said Vick.
By the time Vick had a chance to ask the dog's owner why his pet wasn't on a leash, he was gone. Pip's owners said they are left wondering why some break county rules. "I think they get complacent. I think they think that they know their dogs and that they're friendly. In reality, they are animals," said the dog's primary owner, Alicia Hall.
Hall said she wants the county to pay more attention to small community parks, like Anna Jean Cummings. The County Animal Shelter said sending its officers out to parks, that are frequented by people and their pets, is a priority.
"We do try to do proactive patrols, whenever we can, to the areas that we get the most complaints on about dogs being off-leash," said Melanie Sobel, general manager at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.
Sobel said Anna Jean Cummings Park is one of the areas they receive the most calls about regarding off-leash dogs.
Vick and Hall said the park is a place they will continue to visit, but not without caution. "I would never have Pip off-leash. I guess it's a responsibility thing. I guess this is happening a lot," said Hall.
Photo trivializes illegal off-leash dog activity
Letters to the Editor | Santa Cruz Sentinel
April 10, 2019
April 10, 2019
Once again, Dan Coyro’s photograph and caption trivializes illegal off-leash dog activity at Lighthouse Field State Beach, known as Its Beach to locals. These Sentinel photographs perpetuate the misinformation, to locals and visitors alike, that Its Beach is a “dog beach.” In reality, Santa Cruz City Code and State Parks regulations prohibit dogs off-leash on this stretch of coastline. Meanwhile, as off-leash dogs dominate the sandy shoreline, migratory and resident shorebirds are denied another bit of natural habitat to rest and feed on the edge of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. Please, Sentinel editors, stop publishing photographs that foster disregard for leash laws and encourage illegal behavior. - Michael Lewis, Santa Cruz
Enforcement, not insanity is the problem
Letters to the Editor | Santa Cruz Sentinel
February 14, 2019 at 5:00 pm
In response to a recent letter: the fact that some people break a law and get caught while others get away with it doesn’t constitute insanity. It just means that blanket enforcement is a problem.
The shorebirds that are constantly flushed and harassed don’t have other places to go. They need rest and food to continue their migration and survive. Senior citizens and children, even those who have dogs on leash, have the right to not have unwanted encounters with unleashed and uncontrolled dogs.
The fact that It’s Beach on West Cliff Drive has become a non-enforcement zone is not justification for extending that to the rest of the county beaches. There are other stakeholders with rights that need to be respected.
— Cliff Bixler, Santa Cruz
February 14, 2019 at 5:00 pm
In response to a recent letter: the fact that some people break a law and get caught while others get away with it doesn’t constitute insanity. It just means that blanket enforcement is a problem.
The shorebirds that are constantly flushed and harassed don’t have other places to go. They need rest and food to continue their migration and survive. Senior citizens and children, even those who have dogs on leash, have the right to not have unwanted encounters with unleashed and uncontrolled dogs.
The fact that It’s Beach on West Cliff Drive has become a non-enforcement zone is not justification for extending that to the rest of the county beaches. There are other stakeholders with rights that need to be respected.
— Cliff Bixler, Santa Cruz
More than just dogs and people use beaches
Santa Cruz Sentinel
Letters to the Editor
February 12, 2019
Letter writer Marion Morris seems to think that humans and off-leash dogs are the only “users” of our beaches that need be given consideration. Can we think of other creatures she might be forgetting?
— Alexander Gaguine, Santa Cruz
Letters to the Editor
February 12, 2019
Letter writer Marion Morris seems to think that humans and off-leash dogs are the only “users” of our beaches that need be given consideration. Can we think of other creatures she might be forgetting?
— Alexander Gaguine, Santa Cruz
We have leash laws for many good reasons
Santa Cruz Sentinel
February 10, 2019
In response to a letter to the editor complaining about animal control chasing dog owners and their off-leash dogs on Live Oak beaches: leash laws are there for many good reasons. One example: I walk my large dog on a leash at all times. My dog is very protective of me. If your uncontrolled dog gets too close, you will be spending the rest of the day at the emergency vet. Nobody wants that. Unfortunately, too many dog owners feel they do not need to obey leash laws and/or that their dogs should be entitled to run wild. Sorry, but you are not that special.
— Michael Rebensdorf, Santa Cruz
February 10, 2019
In response to a letter to the editor complaining about animal control chasing dog owners and their off-leash dogs on Live Oak beaches: leash laws are there for many good reasons. One example: I walk my large dog on a leash at all times. My dog is very protective of me. If your uncontrolled dog gets too close, you will be spending the rest of the day at the emergency vet. Nobody wants that. Unfortunately, too many dog owners feel they do not need to obey leash laws and/or that their dogs should be entitled to run wild. Sorry, but you are not that special.
— Michael Rebensdorf, Santa Cruz
Tasmania penguin deaths: Dozens killed in suspected dog attack
The little penguins, which grow to around 30cm, were returning for breeding season
BBC News
October 17, 2018
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-45892076
Wildlife officials are investigating a suspected dog attack in Tasmania, after 58 penguins were found mauled to death.
A member of the public alerted rangers to the dozens of penguin bodies strewn across a beach on the north coast of Australia's island state.
This is the second dog attack in months on local little penguins - the smallest penguin species - according to reports.
Authorities said dog owners must take responsibility for their pets and earlier warned of hefty fines.
"We would like to remind dog owners of the need to take responsibility for their animals at all times as dogs have the capacity to do a lot of damage to penguin colonies in a short period of time," Tasmania's department of parks, water and environment said in a statement.
It said all reports of alleged unlawful harming of wildlife would be taken "extremely seriously" and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
According to a local wildlife expert, the birds attacked earlier this week were returning to their nests for the start of breeding season.
"This will have a catastrophic impact on the colony," BirdLife Tasmania convenor Eric Woehler told the Australian Associated Press. "It's going to take a long time, years, for those breeding birds to be replaced."
In June, a dozen of little penguins - locally called fairy penguins - were found killed in an apparent dog attack on a nearby beach at the Low Head Conservation Area.
Little penguins in the wild grow up to around 30cm (12inch) in height, and live to around six years. They are not a threatened species but are protected under wildlife legalisation.
October 17, 2018
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-45892076
Wildlife officials are investigating a suspected dog attack in Tasmania, after 58 penguins were found mauled to death.
A member of the public alerted rangers to the dozens of penguin bodies strewn across a beach on the north coast of Australia's island state.
This is the second dog attack in months on local little penguins - the smallest penguin species - according to reports.
Authorities said dog owners must take responsibility for their pets and earlier warned of hefty fines.
"We would like to remind dog owners of the need to take responsibility for their animals at all times as dogs have the capacity to do a lot of damage to penguin colonies in a short period of time," Tasmania's department of parks, water and environment said in a statement.
It said all reports of alleged unlawful harming of wildlife would be taken "extremely seriously" and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
According to a local wildlife expert, the birds attacked earlier this week were returning to their nests for the start of breeding season.
"This will have a catastrophic impact on the colony," BirdLife Tasmania convenor Eric Woehler told the Australian Associated Press. "It's going to take a long time, years, for those breeding birds to be replaced."
In June, a dozen of little penguins - locally called fairy penguins - were found killed in an apparent dog attack on a nearby beach at the Low Head Conservation Area.
Little penguins in the wild grow up to around 30cm (12inch) in height, and live to around six years. They are not a threatened species but are protected under wildlife legalisation.
Photo of off-leash dogs glorifies bad behavior
Santa Cruz Sentinel
October 2, 2018
With Dan Coyro’s Photo of the Day, once more the Santa Cruz Sentinel glorifies and concurrently encourages illegal off-leash activity at Lighthouse Field State Beach, which locals call Its Beach. While the city municipal code also prohibits unleashed dogs at Its Beach, the Sentinel’s message broadcasts to residents and tourists alike that this behavior is OK. This is fall migratory season and shorebirds have little chance to rest and feed at this shoreline. Please print a retraction, so Leash Law Advocates of Santa Cruz County can do the same on their off-leash reports webpage.
— Jean Brocklebank, Santa Cruz
October 2, 2018
With Dan Coyro’s Photo of the Day, once more the Santa Cruz Sentinel glorifies and concurrently encourages illegal off-leash activity at Lighthouse Field State Beach, which locals call Its Beach. While the city municipal code also prohibits unleashed dogs at Its Beach, the Sentinel’s message broadcasts to residents and tourists alike that this behavior is OK. This is fall migratory season and shorebirds have little chance to rest and feed at this shoreline. Please print a retraction, so Leash Law Advocates of Santa Cruz County can do the same on their off-leash reports webpage.
— Jean Brocklebank, Santa Cruz
What happened to Santa Cruz’s friendly beaches?
Santa Cruz Sentinel
June 9, 2018
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/opinion/20180609/letter-what-happened-to-santa-cruzs-friendly-beaches
My wife and I couldn’t agree more with the visitor from Florida who wrote in disgust to the Sentinel about Santa Cruz beaches having gone to the dogs. We used to enjoy our local beaches, which are a treasure, but over the years we have noticed in dismay how more and more overrun by dogs they have become. Is it too much to ask for local authorities at least to enforce existing laws requiring dog owners to leash their dogs on when on beaches?
— Jeff Alford, Santa Cruz
June 9, 2018
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/opinion/20180609/letter-what-happened-to-santa-cruzs-friendly-beaches
My wife and I couldn’t agree more with the visitor from Florida who wrote in disgust to the Sentinel about Santa Cruz beaches having gone to the dogs. We used to enjoy our local beaches, which are a treasure, but over the years we have noticed in dismay how more and more overrun by dogs they have become. Is it too much to ask for local authorities at least to enforce existing laws requiring dog owners to leash their dogs on when on beaches?
— Jeff Alford, Santa Cruz
Comment by Glenn Compton
Its Beach (Lighthouse Field State Beach) currently allows for dogs to run free on the public beach without a leash. The lack of enforcement prohibiting dogs on the beach has allowed for a public safety and health problem, and potentially expensive lawsuits for taxpayers.
The State Department of Parks and Recreation has NOT designated Lighthouse Field State Beach for dog use.
According to California Code of Regulations, dogs are prohibited on Lighthouse Field State Beach at all times.
California Code of Regulations, Title 14 Natural Resources, Division 3, Chapter 1, § 4312. Control of Animals states:
(a) No person shall permit a dog to run loose or turn loose any animal in any portion of a unit, except upon written authorization by the District Superintendent.
Although there is a “Dogs on Leash” sign posted at the top of the stairs leading to Lighthouse Field State Beach on West Cliff Drive, written authorization by the District Superintendent has not been granted allowing for dogs to be on or off leash.
Should a vicious dog attack occur on the premises, the State will be liable for negligent mismanagement of the State Beach.
Furthermore, § 4312 states:
(f) No person shall bring a dog into, permit a dog to enter or remain, or possess a dog:
2) on any beach adjacent to any body of water in any unit except in portions of units designated for dogs.
Again, the State has NOT designated Lighthouse Field State Beach for dog use.
Additionally, the General Plan for Lighthouse Field State Beach adopted by the California State Park and Recreation Commission does not recognize dogs on the beach as a permitted activity.
The Santa Cruz District permits leashed dogs at Rio del Mar and Seacliff State Beach. The City of Santa Cruz allows dogs off-leash before 10am and after 4pm at nearby Mitchell's Cove. There is ample opportunity for dog owners to visit Santa Cruz public beaches with their dogs.
Lighthouse Field State Beach should be for the enjoyment of all members of the public, not just for dog owners.
The Parks and Recreation Department should take immediate action to correct this problem and immediately ban all dogs at Lighthouse Field State Beach at all times, before an unfortunate accident occurs.
Its Beach (Lighthouse Field State Beach) currently allows for dogs to run free on the public beach without a leash. The lack of enforcement prohibiting dogs on the beach has allowed for a public safety and health problem, and potentially expensive lawsuits for taxpayers.
The State Department of Parks and Recreation has NOT designated Lighthouse Field State Beach for dog use.
According to California Code of Regulations, dogs are prohibited on Lighthouse Field State Beach at all times.
California Code of Regulations, Title 14 Natural Resources, Division 3, Chapter 1, § 4312. Control of Animals states:
(a) No person shall permit a dog to run loose or turn loose any animal in any portion of a unit, except upon written authorization by the District Superintendent.
Although there is a “Dogs on Leash” sign posted at the top of the stairs leading to Lighthouse Field State Beach on West Cliff Drive, written authorization by the District Superintendent has not been granted allowing for dogs to be on or off leash.
Should a vicious dog attack occur on the premises, the State will be liable for negligent mismanagement of the State Beach.
Furthermore, § 4312 states:
(f) No person shall bring a dog into, permit a dog to enter or remain, or possess a dog:
2) on any beach adjacent to any body of water in any unit except in portions of units designated for dogs.
Again, the State has NOT designated Lighthouse Field State Beach for dog use.
Additionally, the General Plan for Lighthouse Field State Beach adopted by the California State Park and Recreation Commission does not recognize dogs on the beach as a permitted activity.
The Santa Cruz District permits leashed dogs at Rio del Mar and Seacliff State Beach. The City of Santa Cruz allows dogs off-leash before 10am and after 4pm at nearby Mitchell's Cove. There is ample opportunity for dog owners to visit Santa Cruz public beaches with their dogs.
Lighthouse Field State Beach should be for the enjoyment of all members of the public, not just for dog owners.
The Parks and Recreation Department should take immediate action to correct this problem and immediately ban all dogs at Lighthouse Field State Beach at all times, before an unfortunate accident occurs.
Long-time Santa Cruz man dies after attempted ocean dog rescue
By Jessica A. York
Santa Cruz Sentinel
October 20, 2017
A 71-year-old Westside man who reportedly plunged into the ocean to rescue his 6-year-old golden labradoodle has died.
Randall “Randy” Henry Knox III was out for a walk with his dog, Sadie, around 10 a.m. Wednesday morning when the dog was washed into the ocean, according to authorities and Knox’s family. Knox went in the water after the dog not far from Mitchell’s Cove, at West Cliff Drive and Woodrow Avenue, and ended up caught up in the waves himself, according to witness reports and Santa Cruz Fire Department Battalion Chief Daniel Kline.
Click HERE to read more.
Santa Cruz Sentinel
October 20, 2017
A 71-year-old Westside man who reportedly plunged into the ocean to rescue his 6-year-old golden labradoodle has died.
Randall “Randy” Henry Knox III was out for a walk with his dog, Sadie, around 10 a.m. Wednesday morning when the dog was washed into the ocean, according to authorities and Knox’s family. Knox went in the water after the dog not far from Mitchell’s Cove, at West Cliff Drive and Woodrow Avenue, and ended up caught up in the waves himself, according to witness reports and Santa Cruz Fire Department Battalion Chief Daniel Kline.
Click HERE to read more.
Animal Shelter Steps Up Off-Leash Patrols
Good Times
June 14, 2017
Jon Alvarado, a newly hired officer for Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, patrols the county’s beaches each day, and takes dog-off-leash rules seriously. “We’re beginning to ticket people more on the beach,” he says, while standing on 26th Avenue Beach, watching free-roaming offenders. “Don’t think because it’s a Tuesday that we won’t be enforcing leash laws.”
Click HERE to read the full article
June 14, 2017
Jon Alvarado, a newly hired officer for Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, patrols the county’s beaches each day, and takes dog-off-leash rules seriously. “We’re beginning to ticket people more on the beach,” he says, while standing on 26th Avenue Beach, watching free-roaming offenders. “Don’t think because it’s a Tuesday that we won’t be enforcing leash laws.”
Click HERE to read the full article
Letter: Ticket people who let their dogs run off leash
Santa Cruz Sentinel
June 2, 2017
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/opinion/20170602/letter-ticket-people-who-let-their-dogs-run-off-leash
Thank you to dog owners and walkers who uphold the leash law and respect the rights and comfort of all of us.
I try to walk daily at one of our many beautiful parks or beaches such as Twin Lakes, DeLaveaga, Arana Gulch, Pogonip, New Brighton Beach, etc., all of which have leash laws. These walks revive me.
But when at least half of these peaceful excursions are interrupted by dogs off leash (whether they’re running unwatched or uncontrolled, barking loudly, pooping without poop being retrieved, etc.), I am disturbed.
Please be respectful to those of us who choose not to be responsible for a dog (and to those dog owners who are following the laws).
Perhaps spot patrolling and ticketing the offenders would encourage those not using leashes to do so and also generate some income for the city and county.
— Robby Labovitz, Santa Cruz
June 2, 2017
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/opinion/20170602/letter-ticket-people-who-let-their-dogs-run-off-leash
Thank you to dog owners and walkers who uphold the leash law and respect the rights and comfort of all of us.
I try to walk daily at one of our many beautiful parks or beaches such as Twin Lakes, DeLaveaga, Arana Gulch, Pogonip, New Brighton Beach, etc., all of which have leash laws. These walks revive me.
But when at least half of these peaceful excursions are interrupted by dogs off leash (whether they’re running unwatched or uncontrolled, barking loudly, pooping without poop being retrieved, etc.), I am disturbed.
Please be respectful to those of us who choose not to be responsible for a dog (and to those dog owners who are following the laws).
Perhaps spot patrolling and ticketing the offenders would encourage those not using leashes to do so and also generate some income for the city and county.
— Robby Labovitz, Santa Cruz
Migrating, Nesting Shorebirds Need Help From Pet Owners
US Fish & Wildlife Service Press Release
May 10, 2017
"Beach visitors have been flocking to Pacific Northwest beaches as the sun begins to return after a long, wet winter. While long walks on the beach with your dog may be relaxing for the two of you, it's very stressful (and possibly deadly) for the thousands of shorebirds trying to nest or rest in the midst of a long migration."
Click HERE to read the full press release.
May 10, 2017
"Beach visitors have been flocking to Pacific Northwest beaches as the sun begins to return after a long, wet winter. While long walks on the beach with your dog may be relaxing for the two of you, it's very stressful (and possibly deadly) for the thousands of shorebirds trying to nest or rest in the midst of a long migration."
Click HERE to read the full press release.
Loose-running dogs in parks haunt abiders of county leash law
The Spokesman-Review
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/mar/09/loose-running-dogs-in-parks-haunt-abiders-of-count/
“Signs don’t seem to do the job,” she said. “The leash law is for public safety and to protect other dogs that walk on leash as well as to protect wildlife and the environment. But some people don’t think it applies to their dog.”
“From my patrol vehicle, 90 percent of the folks I see are compliant. People tell me that as soon as I leave, the dogs come off leash.”
“Education is important, but if you don’t eventually give a ticket there’s no deterrent,” he said. “Only a few need to be written. Word gets around.”
“One dog ended up biting my wife on the behind. The dog owner complained that we didn’t have our dog under control, but his dog was the one running free. That’s how stupid people can be.”
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/mar/09/loose-running-dogs-in-parks-haunt-abiders-of-count/
“Signs don’t seem to do the job,” she said. “The leash law is for public safety and to protect other dogs that walk on leash as well as to protect wildlife and the environment. But some people don’t think it applies to their dog.”
“From my patrol vehicle, 90 percent of the folks I see are compliant. People tell me that as soon as I leave, the dogs come off leash.”
“Education is important, but if you don’t eventually give a ticket there’s no deterrent,” he said. “Only a few need to be written. Word gets around.”
“One dog ended up biting my wife on the behind. The dog owner complained that we didn’t have our dog under control, but his dog was the one running free. That’s how stupid people can be.”
Sentinel ought to be ashamed of dog picture
Santa Cruz Sentinel
Thursday, February 2, 2017
It is unfortunate the Sentinel published Shmuel Thaler’s photo of an unleashed dog at the beach near 36th Avenue. The Sentinel has a responsibility to be clear in its publication that such action is a violation of county code. Dogs are required to be on leash at all Santa Cruz County and state beaches with only one exception (Mitchell’s Cove). The owner of the dog should have been issued a citation for violating the county leash law, not rewarded by seeing his or her dog in the Sentinel. In this case the Sentinel is culpable in the violation of a county ordinance by glorifying it with a caption about a dog frolicking on the shoreline.
— Jean Brocklebank, Santa Cruz
Thursday, February 2, 2017
It is unfortunate the Sentinel published Shmuel Thaler’s photo of an unleashed dog at the beach near 36th Avenue. The Sentinel has a responsibility to be clear in its publication that such action is a violation of county code. Dogs are required to be on leash at all Santa Cruz County and state beaches with only one exception (Mitchell’s Cove). The owner of the dog should have been issued a citation for violating the county leash law, not rewarded by seeing his or her dog in the Sentinel. In this case the Sentinel is culpable in the violation of a county ordinance by glorifying it with a caption about a dog frolicking on the shoreline.
— Jean Brocklebank, Santa Cruz
Rio del Mar beach dog bite lawsuit settled for $57,500
Santa Cruz Sentinel
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
A lawsuit filed by an Aptos mother whose son was attacked by a dog on Rio del Mar State Beach three years ago has been settled for $57,500.
The 50-pound boxer-Australian mix was off-leash on May 21, 2013 when he ran up to the 5-year-old boy and grabbed him by the head, puncturing and bruising his scalp as his 6-year-old brother witnessed the attack.
The wounds required 12 staples to close and took a year to heal, according to the lawsuit filed in April 2015 by Capitola attorney Anna DiBenedetto. She represented the children and their mother, Bina Mirchandani.
Click HERE to read the article.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
A lawsuit filed by an Aptos mother whose son was attacked by a dog on Rio del Mar State Beach three years ago has been settled for $57,500.
The 50-pound boxer-Australian mix was off-leash on May 21, 2013 when he ran up to the 5-year-old boy and grabbed him by the head, puncturing and bruising his scalp as his 6-year-old brother witnessed the attack.
The wounds required 12 staples to close and took a year to heal, according to the lawsuit filed in April 2015 by Capitola attorney Anna DiBenedetto. She represented the children and their mother, Bina Mirchandani.
Click HERE to read the article.
Free-Ranging Dogs and Wildlife Conservation
Matthew E. Gompper
OUP Oxford, 2013
Click HERE for Google Books previerw
Dogs are the world's most common and widespread carnivores and are nearly ubiquitous across the globe. The vast majority of these dogs, whether owned or un-owned, pure-bred or stray, spend a large portion of their life as unconfined, free-roaming animals, persisting at the interface of human and wildlife communities. Their numbers are particularly large throughout the developing world, where veterinary care and population control are often minimal and human populations are burgeoning.
This volume brings together the world's experts to provide a comprehensive, unifying, and accessible review of the effects of dogs on native wildlife species. With an emphasis on addressing how free-ranging dogs may influence wildlife management and native species of conservation concern, chapters address themes such as the global history and size of dog populations, dogs as predators, competitors, and prey of wildlife, the use of dogs as hunting companions, the role of dogs in maintaining diseases of wildlife, and the potential for dogs to hybridize with wild canid species.
In addition, the potential role of dogs as mediators of conservation conflict is assessed, including the role of dogs as livestock guardians, the potential for dogs to aid researchers in locating rare wildlife species of conservation interest, and the importance of recognizing that some populations of dogs such as dingoes have a long history of genetic isolation and are themselves important conservation concerns.
A common theme woven throughout this volume is the potential for dogs to mediate how humans interact with wildlife and the recognition that the success of wildlife conservation and management efforts are often underpinned by understanding and addressing the potential roles of free-ranging dogs in diverse natural ecosystems.
Free-Ranging Dogs and Wildlife Conservation is aimed at professional wildlife and conservation ecologists, managers, graduate students, and researchers with an interest in human-dog-wildlife interactions. It will also be of relevance and use to dog welfare researchers, veterinary scientists, disease ecologists, and readers with an interest in the interface of domestic animals and wildlife.
OUP Oxford, 2013
Click HERE for Google Books previerw
Dogs are the world's most common and widespread carnivores and are nearly ubiquitous across the globe. The vast majority of these dogs, whether owned or un-owned, pure-bred or stray, spend a large portion of their life as unconfined, free-roaming animals, persisting at the interface of human and wildlife communities. Their numbers are particularly large throughout the developing world, where veterinary care and population control are often minimal and human populations are burgeoning.
This volume brings together the world's experts to provide a comprehensive, unifying, and accessible review of the effects of dogs on native wildlife species. With an emphasis on addressing how free-ranging dogs may influence wildlife management and native species of conservation concern, chapters address themes such as the global history and size of dog populations, dogs as predators, competitors, and prey of wildlife, the use of dogs as hunting companions, the role of dogs in maintaining diseases of wildlife, and the potential for dogs to hybridize with wild canid species.
In addition, the potential role of dogs as mediators of conservation conflict is assessed, including the role of dogs as livestock guardians, the potential for dogs to aid researchers in locating rare wildlife species of conservation interest, and the importance of recognizing that some populations of dogs such as dingoes have a long history of genetic isolation and are themselves important conservation concerns.
A common theme woven throughout this volume is the potential for dogs to mediate how humans interact with wildlife and the recognition that the success of wildlife conservation and management efforts are often underpinned by understanding and addressing the potential roles of free-ranging dogs in diverse natural ecosystems.
Free-Ranging Dogs and Wildlife Conservation is aimed at professional wildlife and conservation ecologists, managers, graduate students, and researchers with an interest in human-dog-wildlife interactions. It will also be of relevance and use to dog welfare researchers, veterinary scientists, disease ecologists, and readers with an interest in the interface of domestic animals and wildlife.
Disturbances by dog barking increase vigilance in coots (Fulica atra)
European Journal of Wildlife Research · December 2006
Two main findings result from the study: (1) coots respond to acoustic traits of dogs and may be able to acoustically recognise this predator and (2) this increase in vigilance might have implications for conservation, especially when considering buffer zones around sensitive areas.
Click "Download File" below to read the full article.
Two main findings result from the study: (1) coots respond to acoustic traits of dogs and may be able to acoustically recognise this predator and (2) this increase in vigilance might have implications for conservation, especially when considering buffer zones around sensitive areas.
Click "Download File" below to read the full article.
Disturbances by dog barking increase vigilance in coots | |
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Santa Cruz County to launch dogs-on-beach survey
May 4, 2016
Monterey TV station KSBW interviewed LLASCC members, and others, about the Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation Department's beach survey.
Click HERE to view the video.
Monterey TV station KSBW interviewed LLASCC members, and others, about the Santa Cruz County Parks and Recreation Department's beach survey.
Click HERE to view the video.
Please control your dog as she controls her child
Santa Cruz Sentinel Letters
http://tinyurl.com/h29mg3g
I don’t have a dog simply because I know I don’t have the time to properly train or care for an animal. I do, however, have children. I believe in providing a full life for my children, where they can run free in the waves of the ocean, relax on the beach, and enjoy a snack without other beachgoers fearing they will run and attack them, wet and vicious, eat their food, trample on their blankets, scratch their bodies against their will. Enter the dog owner: “Off leash” doesn’t offer you a free pass to let your child, er, your dog, run wild and uncontrolled at everyone’s expense! Mitchell’s Cove is a neighborhood beach. Dogs, like all pets (children included) should be under control. Do with your dog as you would expect me to do with my child. Take the time to teach it or don’t have it at all.
— Alicia Hinde, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Sentinel Letters
http://tinyurl.com/h29mg3g
I don’t have a dog simply because I know I don’t have the time to properly train or care for an animal. I do, however, have children. I believe in providing a full life for my children, where they can run free in the waves of the ocean, relax on the beach, and enjoy a snack without other beachgoers fearing they will run and attack them, wet and vicious, eat their food, trample on their blankets, scratch their bodies against their will. Enter the dog owner: “Off leash” doesn’t offer you a free pass to let your child, er, your dog, run wild and uncontrolled at everyone’s expense! Mitchell’s Cove is a neighborhood beach. Dogs, like all pets (children included) should be under control. Do with your dog as you would expect me to do with my child. Take the time to teach it or don’t have it at all.
— Alicia Hinde, Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz expands campuswide ban on dogs
By Ryan Masters, Santa Cruz Sentinel
Posted: 07/28/15, 6:39 PM PDT
Gary Griggs, director of UCSC’s Institute of Marine Sciences, cited the Coastal Long Range Development Plan and companion environmental impact studies as primary factors in the decision.
“It was a long and difficult process, but based on consistent reports from our natural resources consultants, we felt it best to protect the campus,” he said. “Ultimately, this is a marine research facility and a natural reserve.”
Griggs also said the issue of dog leash enforcement was a factor. When leashed dogs were permitted on the site’s public access trails, many dog owners did not comply. According to Griggs, off-leash dogs are disruptive to wildlife, teaching and research activities.
Click HERE to read more.
Posted: 07/28/15, 6:39 PM PDT
Gary Griggs, director of UCSC’s Institute of Marine Sciences, cited the Coastal Long Range Development Plan and companion environmental impact studies as primary factors in the decision.
“It was a long and difficult process, but based on consistent reports from our natural resources consultants, we felt it best to protect the campus,” he said. “Ultimately, this is a marine research facility and a natural reserve.”
Griggs also said the issue of dog leash enforcement was a factor. When leashed dogs were permitted on the site’s public access trails, many dog owners did not comply. According to Griggs, off-leash dogs are disruptive to wildlife, teaching and research activities.
Click HERE to read more.
June 13, 2015 - Toronto Sun
City cracks down on off-leash dogs
By Don Peat, City Hall Bureau Chief
First posted: Thursday, June 04, 2015 04:10 PM EDT
TORONTO - Must love ... fines?
The City of Toronto warned Thursday that it is cracking down on dog owners walking their pets off-leash.
Bylaw officers will be “stepping up” enforcement this year across the city to ensure people are obeying the city bylaw that mandates dogs must be kept on a leash whenever they are off their owner’s property or outside one of the city’s 57 leash-free parks.
“Owners are responsible for ensuring that their dogs do not run at large. A dog is considered running at large if it is unleashed, off its owner’s property and not under its owner’s control,” the city stated, adding the fine for having a dog running at large is $360.
Last year, the city investigated 829 cases of dogs running off-leash and issued 161 charges. Already this year, the city has conducted 924 off-leash dog investigations and issued 39 charges.
By Don Peat, City Hall Bureau Chief
First posted: Thursday, June 04, 2015 04:10 PM EDT
TORONTO - Must love ... fines?
The City of Toronto warned Thursday that it is cracking down on dog owners walking their pets off-leash.
Bylaw officers will be “stepping up” enforcement this year across the city to ensure people are obeying the city bylaw that mandates dogs must be kept on a leash whenever they are off their owner’s property or outside one of the city’s 57 leash-free parks.
“Owners are responsible for ensuring that their dogs do not run at large. A dog is considered running at large if it is unleashed, off its owner’s property and not under its owner’s control,” the city stated, adding the fine for having a dog running at large is $360.
Last year, the city investigated 829 cases of dogs running off-leash and issued 161 charges. Already this year, the city has conducted 924 off-leash dog investigations and issued 39 charges.
February 24, 2015 - Good Times
So Much For Romance
Mr. Yee’s letter (GT, Feb. 18) is romantic in its essence; however, it is the sight of marine life feeling safe enough to use the beaches, without fear, without disease and harm, that would be the ideal sight. Dogs have just about the entire county at their disposal (literally). I can watch from my window each day and see dogs defecating, urinating and chasing anything that moves. Dogs and cats are not on our food chain. Our very lives are at stake if we lose our marine life.
Gloria Sams, Santa Cruz
So Much For Romance
Mr. Yee’s letter (GT, Feb. 18) is romantic in its essence; however, it is the sight of marine life feeling safe enough to use the beaches, without fear, without disease and harm, that would be the ideal sight. Dogs have just about the entire county at their disposal (literally). I can watch from my window each day and see dogs defecating, urinating and chasing anything that moves. Dogs and cats are not on our food chain. Our very lives are at stake if we lose our marine life.
Gloria Sams, Santa Cruz
February 18, 2015
Santa Cruz Sentinel
Trial basis or not, salient facts about dogs remain
"The county Board of Supervisors are again spending time and money to assess the advisability of allowing off-leash dogs to roam county beaches, albeit on a trial basis. Obviously the salient facts have not changed. Off-leash dogs have attacked children, adults, and properly leashed dogs on our public beaches. Additionally allowing off-leash dogs on our public beaches will increase liability costs for county tax-payers plus harm the environment and native wildlife. Allowing off-leash dogs on a trial basis is akin to allowing drunk drivers on Highway 1 on a trial basis. It would be folly in either case to conclude that if no deaths or injuries occur during the trial period, it will therefore be safe permanently. Hopefully the Board of Supervisors will solicit the opinion of implementing a trial basis for off-leash dogs from the mother whose child was severely mauled by an off-leash dog at the Rio Del Mar beach."
- Don Friedman, Santa Cruz
"The county Board of Supervisors are again spending time and money to assess the advisability of allowing off-leash dogs to roam county beaches, albeit on a trial basis. Obviously the salient facts have not changed. Off-leash dogs have attacked children, adults, and properly leashed dogs on our public beaches. Additionally allowing off-leash dogs on our public beaches will increase liability costs for county tax-payers plus harm the environment and native wildlife. Allowing off-leash dogs on a trial basis is akin to allowing drunk drivers on Highway 1 on a trial basis. It would be folly in either case to conclude that if no deaths or injuries occur during the trial period, it will therefore be safe permanently. Hopefully the Board of Supervisors will solicit the opinion of implementing a trial basis for off-leash dogs from the mother whose child was severely mauled by an off-leash dog at the Rio Del Mar beach."
- Don Friedman, Santa Cruz
Leaving Only Footsteps? Think Again
By CHRISTOPHER SOLOMON
FEB. 13, 2015
Researchers who studied trails around Boulder, Colo., found that populations of several species of songbirds, including pygmy nuthatches and Western meadowlarks, were lowest near trails. “There’s something about the presence of humans and their pets when they go on hikes that causes a bit of a ‘death zone’ of 100 meters on either side of a trail,” said Prof. Rick Knight of Colorado State University. Running, canoeing, cycling and similar activities negatively affected birds in nearly 90 percent of 69 studies that researchers reviewed in 2011. Reductions were seen in the number of nests built, eggs laid and chicks hatched or fledged.
Click HERE to read more...
By CHRISTOPHER SOLOMON
FEB. 13, 2015
Researchers who studied trails around Boulder, Colo., found that populations of several species of songbirds, including pygmy nuthatches and Western meadowlarks, were lowest near trails. “There’s something about the presence of humans and their pets when they go on hikes that causes a bit of a ‘death zone’ of 100 meters on either side of a trail,” said Prof. Rick Knight of Colorado State University. Running, canoeing, cycling and similar activities negatively affected birds in nearly 90 percent of 69 studies that researchers reviewed in 2011. Reductions were seen in the number of nests built, eggs laid and chicks hatched or fledged.
Click HERE to read more...
KSBW Interviews LLASCC Spokeswoman
December 19, 2014
By Brynne Whittaker
Opponents said that the dogs running wild will threaten public safety, the marine environment, and other dogs.
“Unleashed dogs have mauled a little 5 year old boy in Rio Del Mar, they chased a baby sea lion, they killed a cormorant (bird), and they bit a surfer as he was trying to get his surfboard out of the water," opponent Jean Brocklebank said.
"I don't hate dogs, I don't fear dogs. I am a former dog owner. I love dogs. It's a matter of having your dog leashed to respect other people, other dogs and wildlife," Brocklebank said.
Click HERE for more...
By Brynne Whittaker
Opponents said that the dogs running wild will threaten public safety, the marine environment, and other dogs.
“Unleashed dogs have mauled a little 5 year old boy in Rio Del Mar, they chased a baby sea lion, they killed a cormorant (bird), and they bit a surfer as he was trying to get his surfboard out of the water," opponent Jean Brocklebank said.
"I don't hate dogs, I don't fear dogs. I am a former dog owner. I love dogs. It's a matter of having your dog leashed to respect other people, other dogs and wildlife," Brocklebank said.
Click HERE for more...
All the reasons why off-leash at the beach will never work
“People keep pushing the boundaries when there’s no enforcement action,” he said. “If enough people aren’t going to follow the rules we’re going to have a much simpler rule which is never have a dog off a leash in any park ever.”
San Carlos Mayor, Mark Olbert
San Carlos ending trial dog parks after several complaints
November 29, 2014
San Mateo Daily Journal
San Carlos is canceling its off-leash pilot program at two city parks after receiving a laundry list of complaints about users that don’t pick up after their animal, don’t abide by posted hours, conflict with other uses and even fight with one another.
Click HERE to read more.
November 29, 2014
San Mateo Daily Journal
San Carlos is canceling its off-leash pilot program at two city parks after receiving a laundry list of complaints about users that don’t pick up after their animal, don’t abide by posted hours, conflict with other uses and even fight with one another.
Click HERE to read more.
PARD Moves to Ban Off-Leash Dogs at “Barkin' Springs”
by Gene Davis
In the wake of water samples that showed the Barton Springs Pool spillway with bacteria levels just within the threshold considered safe for swimming, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department is recommending a change in City Code to allow people to legally swim in Barton Creek just downstream of the Springs. But sorry, Fido; the PARD recommendation opposes changing the law to allow off-leash dogs in the area commonly referred to as “Barking Springs” even though on any hot day the the area is now packed with pooches.
“Previous research tells us it’s a bad idea for dogs and humans to recreate in the small same body of water,” said Chris Herrington, an environmental engineer for the City Watershed Protection Department.
- See more at: http://www.austinpost.org/article/barking-springs#sthash.ftvvxjOU.dpuf
In the wake of water samples that showed the Barton Springs Pool spillway with bacteria levels just within the threshold considered safe for swimming, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department is recommending a change in City Code to allow people to legally swim in Barton Creek just downstream of the Springs. But sorry, Fido; the PARD recommendation opposes changing the law to allow off-leash dogs in the area commonly referred to as “Barking Springs” even though on any hot day the the area is now packed with pooches.
“Previous research tells us it’s a bad idea for dogs and humans to recreate in the small same body of water,” said Chris Herrington, an environmental engineer for the City Watershed Protection Department.
- See more at: http://www.austinpost.org/article/barking-springs#sthash.ftvvxjOU.dpuf
A Review of Human Disturbance Impacts on Waterbirds
Kathi L. Borgmann
"Overall, types of disturbances that appeared more likely to cause birds to flush sooner across all studies I reviewed included motorized boats at high speeds25, all-terrain vehicle use 26, and activities with rapid movement such as running and unleashed dogs."
"Enforcement of leash laws can also reduce the number of birds disturbed."
"Enforcement of leash laws can also reduce the number of birds disturbed."
a_review_of_human_disturbance_impacts_on_waterbirds.pdf | |
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July 11, 2014
By Monterey Herald staff CARMEL A marine environmental group said Friday that summer has brought a "staggering" increase in the number of abandoned bags of dog waste left on Carmel Beach. "It's a constant, but it's worse in the summer," said Rachel Kippen of the Santa Cruz group Save Our Shores. The group said Carmel community members brought concerns about the problem to it over the past few months. On June 14, three volunteers collected 39 bags of dog waste — a total of 16 pounds — at Carmel Beach. On the Fourth of July, Save Our Shores distributed dog-waste bags to beach visitors, but the next day volunteers picked up 185 pounds of trash, including 37 bags of dog waste, in two hours. There are dog bag dispensers at the beach, but they only are good for part of the equation. Kippen said it's "odd behavior" but many people apparently bag dog waste only to leave the bags on the beach rather than carry them to a garbage can. She said it is a serious issue. "Not only are they an eyesore and horribly unpleasant, but they also have a direct impact on some of most critical species," including the southern sea otter, she said. The plastic bags break apart, adding to plastic pollution, and the waste can carry diseases and degrade water quality, she said. The group and Carmel Residents Association have 10 a.m.-to-noon beach cleanups scheduled July 19, Aug. 23, Oct. 18 and Nov. 15. |
Abandoned dog-waste bags growing woe at Carmel Beach
June 14, 2014
Dear Good Times Editor:
The picture of a dog off-leash on Rio Del Mar State Beach in The GT (June 11 - 17) is inexcusable. Please do not promote or condone illegal activity in your publication.
Dogs are not allowed to "run like the wind" at this State Beach, unless they are leashed and their owner is running like the wind with them.
Furthermore, dogs are only allowed off-leash at one beach in Santa Cruz County (Mitchell's Cove) and even there they are restricted to certain hours.
The leash law is not an anti-dog law; quite the opposite, it protects all dogs, all people and wildlife.
Sincerely,
Jean Brocklebank
The picture of a dog off-leash on Rio Del Mar State Beach in The GT (June 11 - 17) is inexcusable. Please do not promote or condone illegal activity in your publication.
Dogs are not allowed to "run like the wind" at this State Beach, unless they are leashed and their owner is running like the wind with them.
Furthermore, dogs are only allowed off-leash at one beach in Santa Cruz County (Mitchell's Cove) and even there they are restricted to certain hours.
The leash law is not an anti-dog law; quite the opposite, it protects all dogs, all people and wildlife.
Sincerely,
Jean Brocklebank
Dog Care Essentials
The Humane Society of the United States
3. Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
9. Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. Walking benefits people as much as it benefits dogs, and the time spent together will improve your dog’s sense of well-being.
Click HERE to read more...
3. Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
9. Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. Walking benefits people as much as it benefits dogs, and the time spent together will improve your dog’s sense of well-being.
Click HERE to read more...
In Prospect Park, Dog Owners and Bird Watchers Fight for Space
By EMILY S. RUEB
MAY 5, 2014, 1:13 AM
The conflict, at its root, is about basic animal nature: Dogs distress birds and can trample the delicate underbrush where birds feed and nest. Bird watchers say they have been answered with exclamations of “Nazi!,” “creep!,” R-rated curses and, occasionally, “I’m going to kill you,” when asking dog owners to respect the laws, which permit untethered animals in three meadows only after 9 p.m. and before 9 a.m.
Click HERE to read more...
MAY 5, 2014, 1:13 AM
The conflict, at its root, is about basic animal nature: Dogs distress birds and can trample the delicate underbrush where birds feed and nest. Bird watchers say they have been answered with exclamations of “Nazi!,” “creep!,” R-rated curses and, occasionally, “I’m going to kill you,” when asking dog owners to respect the laws, which permit untethered animals in three meadows only after 9 p.m. and before 9 a.m.
Click HERE to read more...
Letter: Irresponsible dog owners making a big mess in SLV schools
Scotts Valley Press-Banner
Mar 27, 2014
EDITOR,
As a teacher in the SLV schools, I have a plea to the community. There are multiple signs at our schools about our policy of no dogs on campus. These are widely ignored, especially on the weekends. My plea is this: If you choose to ignore the school rules and bring your dog on campus, please have the decency to clean up after your dog. Our custodians have to spend time that should be spent on our facilities cleaning up after dogs. Students step in the dog waste, track it into classrooms, which then disrupts instructional time. This isn't a minor problem. It is something that staff has to deal with multiple times a week. So, please, remember that our students are playing and congregating where your dog is "going." If you are going to ignore the rules and bring your dog to our schools, at least clean up after it.
Claire Hackett, Ben Lomond
Mar 27, 2014
EDITOR,
As a teacher in the SLV schools, I have a plea to the community. There are multiple signs at our schools about our policy of no dogs on campus. These are widely ignored, especially on the weekends. My plea is this: If you choose to ignore the school rules and bring your dog on campus, please have the decency to clean up after your dog. Our custodians have to spend time that should be spent on our facilities cleaning up after dogs. Students step in the dog waste, track it into classrooms, which then disrupts instructional time. This isn't a minor problem. It is something that staff has to deal with multiple times a week. So, please, remember that our students are playing and congregating where your dog is "going." If you are going to ignore the rules and bring your dog to our schools, at least clean up after it.
Claire Hackett, Ben Lomond
March 21, 2014
I know that there is a lot of controversy re: leash laws, but not every one fo us has a big dog-alas, the plight of the Chihuahua owner. I think that for anyone to think that you can safely have unleashed dogs at Corcoran Beach or Sunny Cove is delusional. These fine animals, which we collectively love, are descendants of wolves! While we all cherish the idea of letting our four-legged friends roam freely and leash-free on the sands of Santa Cruz, reality, and responsibility, require us to tame this ideal with the reality of pet ownership.
I once had a conversation with my Chihuahua, and it goes something like this: "Cookie, you want to go to the beach?" (ears to the ceiling, head slightly cocked, saliva forming). I said, "OK, but you have to wear your harness and be on a leash!" To which my precious Cookie replied, "OK, but this increases the chances of you stepping in my poop! Vamanos!"
Any pup would rather be at the beach on a leash, than to be moping around the house bored to tears...
Tom Gellman
https://liveoaksantacruz.nextdoor.com/news_feed/
I once had a conversation with my Chihuahua, and it goes something like this: "Cookie, you want to go to the beach?" (ears to the ceiling, head slightly cocked, saliva forming). I said, "OK, but you have to wear your harness and be on a leash!" To which my precious Cookie replied, "OK, but this increases the chances of you stepping in my poop! Vamanos!"
Any pup would rather be at the beach on a leash, than to be moping around the house bored to tears...
Tom Gellman
https://liveoaksantacruz.nextdoor.com/news_feed/
Stop The Dog Beach
Once again, dog proponents from around North County are proposing to the Oceanside City Council a Dog Beach be created at this mouth of the San Luis Rey River. This attempt has been defeated several times in the past, and for good reason:
Click HERE for petition web site:
Click HERE for nodogbeach web site:
Click HERE for petition web site:
Click HERE for nodogbeach web site:
Dogs vs. kids at Wood park in Oakland
Dogs vs. kids at Wood park in Oakland
Will Kane
Updated 7:22 am, Tuesday, February 25, 2014
There's a canine kerfuffle simmering in a quiet Oakland park.
Moms and dads won't take their kids to play in the city's William D. Wood Park in the city's Dimond neighborhood because, they say, dog owners have let their pooches run so wild that they bowl over children and threaten day care groups.
The 5-acre park is supposed to be off-limits to dogs, but no one really enforces the law and dog owners think the big lawn tucked between two hills far from traffic is perfect for a game of fetch.
Click HERE to read more...
Will Kane
Updated 7:22 am, Tuesday, February 25, 2014
There's a canine kerfuffle simmering in a quiet Oakland park.
Moms and dads won't take their kids to play in the city's William D. Wood Park in the city's Dimond neighborhood because, they say, dog owners have let their pooches run so wild that they bowl over children and threaten day care groups.
The 5-acre park is supposed to be off-limits to dogs, but no one really enforces the law and dog owners think the big lawn tucked between two hills far from traffic is perfect for a game of fetch.
Click HERE to read more...
Plovers and dogs - leashes for some, room for all
San Francisco Chronicle
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
David C. Lee
I read in The Chronicle about the dust-up over dogs off leash in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is my considered opinion, as an owner of three dogs (a great Dane, a terrier and a Chihuahua), that responsible dog owners do not let their dogs off leash except under very controlled situations.
I walk my dogs daily in Oakland so that we four get our exercise. I am passionate about our ecosystem and I think that people who put their dogs' fun ahead of snowy plovers' breeding rights or endangered plants' existence cannot be responsible dog owners; indeed, I equate them with any other NIMBYs.
Wake up - we are destroying our environment enough with so-called necessities. Don't exacerbate the situation all the more with "re-creating" with our wonderful four-legged friends in an irresponsible way.
David C. Lee, a native Californian, is a retired Superior Court judge and a 44-year resident of Oakland.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
David C. Lee
I read in The Chronicle about the dust-up over dogs off leash in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is my considered opinion, as an owner of three dogs (a great Dane, a terrier and a Chihuahua), that responsible dog owners do not let their dogs off leash except under very controlled situations.
I walk my dogs daily in Oakland so that we four get our exercise. I am passionate about our ecosystem and I think that people who put their dogs' fun ahead of snowy plovers' breeding rights or endangered plants' existence cannot be responsible dog owners; indeed, I equate them with any other NIMBYs.
Wake up - we are destroying our environment enough with so-called necessities. Don't exacerbate the situation all the more with "re-creating" with our wonderful four-legged friends in an irresponsible way.
David C. Lee, a native Californian, is a retired Superior Court judge and a 44-year resident of Oakland.
Why Santa Cruz's leash law is a good idea
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/opinion/ci_24587482/stephen-kessler-why-santa-cruzs-leash-law-is
People who have and love dogs tend to regard them as part of the family -- because they are. Dogs are nearly as (sometimes more) high maintenance than children, more obedient and more unconditional in their love. A dog's desire is to please its master, and unlike most cats, dogs can be trained to follow instruction, detect contraband, guide the blind, provide companionship to the lonely, search for missing persons and save lives, among other virtues.
So it is only natural that most dog owners (or human companions, or whatever the politically correct designation) defend the honor of their pets and believe they can do no wrong.
But like people, not all dogs are good dogs, and it is the few poorly socialized or abused or traumatized or otherwise damaged ones that give the rest of the species a bad name. This is unfortunate for good dogs and their owners but it is the main reason for the existence of leash laws, and a compelling rationale to maintain such laws, especially on public beaches.
When I was living in New York some years ago I spent a good deal of time in Riverside Park. It was a pleasant place where people ran, walked, hung out on benches, tossed Frisbees, played basketball, roller-skated, strolled their babies and walked their dogs on leashes.
To accommodate those citizens who wanted to let their dogs run loose there were fenced dog runs where the animals could frolic and get to know one another, and their human companions could look on like nannies or moms and dads from the sidelines of a playground. The unleashed spaces were separated from the leashed spaces, and it felt like a civilized arrangement for all concerned.
In Santa Cruz, to allow dogs to run free on public beaches when other, dogless persons -- not to mention birds and other wildlife -- are present is to invite trouble, and possibly tragedy. According to the American Humane Association, hardly an anti-dog organization, some 4 million dog bites occur per year in the United States (more than 1,000 per day), including 800,000 requiring medical attention, as well as a few fatalities.
Many children and adults who don't know dogs well have had their unfamiliarity aggravated by unfortunate experiences, including unprovoked attacks by dogs, leashed or unleashed, on public or private property. Naturally when such people see a loose dog bounding in their direction, however innocently, it may provoke an adrenaline spike or other symptoms of distress, including the smell of fear that can excite some dogs' more aggressive instincts, and can ruin an otherwise lovely morning or afternoon.
While it may seem unfair to some dog lovers -- and appear to favor one species over another -- it is perfectly reasonable to privilege the convenience and peace of mind of people (without dogs) over that of dogs and their owners for accommodation of their recreational needs. Liability issues and environmental impacts aside, public beaches are a natural resource for humans who need a break from the stresses of everyday life. Introducing loose dogs into such a setting threatens to deprive its human users of this resource.
This is why the leash law is a good idea.
Stephen Kessler lives in Santa Cruz and has no dog in this fight.
People who have and love dogs tend to regard them as part of the family -- because they are. Dogs are nearly as (sometimes more) high maintenance than children, more obedient and more unconditional in their love. A dog's desire is to please its master, and unlike most cats, dogs can be trained to follow instruction, detect contraband, guide the blind, provide companionship to the lonely, search for missing persons and save lives, among other virtues.
So it is only natural that most dog owners (or human companions, or whatever the politically correct designation) defend the honor of their pets and believe they can do no wrong.
But like people, not all dogs are good dogs, and it is the few poorly socialized or abused or traumatized or otherwise damaged ones that give the rest of the species a bad name. This is unfortunate for good dogs and their owners but it is the main reason for the existence of leash laws, and a compelling rationale to maintain such laws, especially on public beaches.
When I was living in New York some years ago I spent a good deal of time in Riverside Park. It was a pleasant place where people ran, walked, hung out on benches, tossed Frisbees, played basketball, roller-skated, strolled their babies and walked their dogs on leashes.
To accommodate those citizens who wanted to let their dogs run loose there were fenced dog runs where the animals could frolic and get to know one another, and their human companions could look on like nannies or moms and dads from the sidelines of a playground. The unleashed spaces were separated from the leashed spaces, and it felt like a civilized arrangement for all concerned.
In Santa Cruz, to allow dogs to run free on public beaches when other, dogless persons -- not to mention birds and other wildlife -- are present is to invite trouble, and possibly tragedy. According to the American Humane Association, hardly an anti-dog organization, some 4 million dog bites occur per year in the United States (more than 1,000 per day), including 800,000 requiring medical attention, as well as a few fatalities.
Many children and adults who don't know dogs well have had their unfamiliarity aggravated by unfortunate experiences, including unprovoked attacks by dogs, leashed or unleashed, on public or private property. Naturally when such people see a loose dog bounding in their direction, however innocently, it may provoke an adrenaline spike or other symptoms of distress, including the smell of fear that can excite some dogs' more aggressive instincts, and can ruin an otherwise lovely morning or afternoon.
While it may seem unfair to some dog lovers -- and appear to favor one species over another -- it is perfectly reasonable to privilege the convenience and peace of mind of people (without dogs) over that of dogs and their owners for accommodation of their recreational needs. Liability issues and environmental impacts aside, public beaches are a natural resource for humans who need a break from the stresses of everyday life. Introducing loose dogs into such a setting threatens to deprive its human users of this resource.
This is why the leash law is a good idea.
Stephen Kessler lives in Santa Cruz and has no dog in this fight.
Law's the law, and off-leash dogs illegal at beaches
By Michael A. Lewis
Special to the Sentinel
POSTED: 11/02/2013 12:18:00 PM PDT
In a long-running debate, a group of dog owners lobbying for exemption from Santa Cruz County leash laws loudly proclaim they are going to continue to let their dogs off leash no matter the law, and that enforcement of the leash law doesn't work because there are still dogs off-leash on county beaches. This is a circular argument (that is, "I still break the law, so enforcement doesn't work") that is used as an excuse to demand that law breakers be exempted from the law.
"Enforcement" does not mean 100 percent compliance. No law ever achieves total compliance, no matter how stringently it is enforced. There are always individuals who decide to flout the law and take the risk of getting tickets or being arrested.
Fortunately, we live in a society where the majority of the people obey most of the laws, and there is no need for an overweening police state to maintain public safety and order. It is only when the illegal acts of a minority group infringe on the rights of the majority that legal pressure must increasingly be brought to bear to protect public health and safety and maintain order in the community.
Such is the case with off leash dogs on county beaches. A small group of dog owners has decided that their desire to allow their dogs to run off leash on local beaches should take precedence over the desires of the rest of beach users for a beach experience unmarred by dogs running uncontrolled. The dog owners have organized to avoid getting tickets from Animal Services officers' attempts to enforce county leash laws, as they let their dogs loose daily on local beaches.
Meanwhile, the dog owners who admit to breaking the leash laws have the audacity to lobby county government to not only overlook their illegal actions, but to suspend county leash laws on the beach to allow them to continue to run their dogs off leash. Leash laws were written and are enforced to protect public health and safety, the health and safety of other dogs, and to protect sensitive wildlife and habitats. These off-leash dog owners claim their desires trump public health and safety, their own animals' safety and county, state, federal and international wildlife regulations.
It's time to put a stop to this egregious "off leash dog gang" behavior. There are 12 off-leash dog parks in the county where dog owners legally can let their dogs run off-leash for exercise and socialization, without putting other park users at risk.
If dog owners continue to blatantly ignore existing off-leash dog areas and continue to illegally allow their dogs to run off-leash in shared pubic space, they should be ticketed and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. No "half-price" sales, but full and escalating fines for these repeat offenders. Let them take responsibility for their disregard for the law and stop asking for a free ride from County government.
It's hard and it's fair.
Michael A. Lewis lives in Santa Cruz.
Get dogs off beaches
Santa Cruz Sentinel LTE Nov. 5, 2013
Michael A. Lewis is right!
His letter in the Sentinel expresses views of the majority of citizens who do not want to experience dogs on beaches.
Marine life needs protection; it’s their environment. The fact that we have many dog parks is enough proof that citizens have been considerate about the needs of the dogs owned by Santa Cruzans.
Dog owners: Follow the law.
SCHARLENE FULMER, Capitola
Michael A. Lewis is right!
His letter in the Sentinel expresses views of the majority of citizens who do not want to experience dogs on beaches.
Marine life needs protection; it’s their environment. The fact that we have many dog parks is enough proof that citizens have been considerate about the needs of the dogs owned by Santa Cruzans.
Dog owners: Follow the law.
SCHARLENE FULMER, Capitola
Santa Cruz Keep dogs leashed
Santa Cruz Sentinel Nov. 2, 2013
I don’t understand why it’s so hard to make a decision on whether or not dogs should be on a leash. I live in Live Oak and have a dog. I couldn’t imagine taking him for a walk or to the beach without a leash! I recently moved here from the East Coast where there are strict leash laws, and dogs are not allowed on the beaches. I was excited to take him to the beach as he loves his walks, but he was accosted by two dogs who were not on a leash and was overcome. My dog didn’t stand a chance. He was so scared and tangled around my legs and I felt very threatened.
The worse part was the owner did nothing about it and actually told me to calm down! Now I don’t take my dog for a walk anymore because there is always a dog not on a leas! Another disturbing fact is while those dogs are running around with no leash, they’re also defecating on the beach, and the owner does not clean it up (I’ve witnessed this many times), which is polluting our beaches and water! A fenced area dog park would be a great solution for those who want their dogs to run freely.
Karen
I don’t understand why it’s so hard to make a decision on whether or not dogs should be on a leash. I live in Live Oak and have a dog. I couldn’t imagine taking him for a walk or to the beach without a leash! I recently moved here from the East Coast where there are strict leash laws, and dogs are not allowed on the beaches. I was excited to take him to the beach as he loves his walks, but he was accosted by two dogs who were not on a leash and was overcome. My dog didn’t stand a chance. He was so scared and tangled around my legs and I felt very threatened.
The worse part was the owner did nothing about it and actually told me to calm down! Now I don’t take my dog for a walk anymore because there is always a dog not on a leas! Another disturbing fact is while those dogs are running around with no leash, they’re also defecating on the beach, and the owner does not clean it up (I’ve witnessed this many times), which is polluting our beaches and water! A fenced area dog park would be a great solution for those who want their dogs to run freely.
Karen
Hagar Township bans dogs from Lake Michigan beaches
Two parks on Lake Michigan that are popular draws for dog owners throughout the region will no longer allow canines. The Hagar Township Board of Trustees voted 3-2 this week to ban dogs at Roadside and Hagar parks, which are located off M-63 outside Coloma in northern Berrien County.
Officials said the ban was necessary after the parks saw a surge in popularity this summer.
The parks, which were featured on several websites, including Pure Michigan, were among the few beaches where dog owners could bring their pets in Southwest Michigan.
“We did not want to do it,” said Kandyce Hays, the township’s park and beach director. “But we decided it was the best for the township. We were being overcome with dogs.
Unfortunately, our beaches aren’t that big.
“Some people ruin it for others when they don’t clean up after their puppies.”
Click HERE for more...
Officials said the ban was necessary after the parks saw a surge in popularity this summer.
The parks, which were featured on several websites, including Pure Michigan, were among the few beaches where dog owners could bring their pets in Southwest Michigan.
“We did not want to do it,” said Kandyce Hays, the township’s park and beach director. “But we decided it was the best for the township. We were being overcome with dogs.
Unfortunately, our beaches aren’t that big.
“Some people ruin it for others when they don’t clean up after their puppies.”
Click HERE for more...
Keep Dogs Leashed for the Sake of Everyone
Leashed dogs are no less loved than those off-leash. In fact, those who love dogs keep them leashed so that they cannot run into the street to be injured or killed by a passing vehicle. For the safety of people and pets, the mayors and elected council members of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County must take action to ensure that this message is conveyed to the public: A leashed dog is a safe dog.
Click HERE to read more...
Click HERE to read more...
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Melanie Sobel, 831-454-7203
September 5, 2013
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter staff recently appeared in a video produced by "New Dogs in Town," a community for dog lovers and owners in Santa Cruz County.
In the video, Animal Shelter staff discusses their work, the value of off leash exercise for dogs, advocacy for leash law compliance, and responsible dog ownership. In developing the video, staff was advised by the producers that the video was intended to be used for informative and educational purposes. However, it appears the video is now being used as a means of garnering support for off-leash areas on the beaches in Santa Cruz.
Please be advised that the appearance of Animal Services staff on the video is not an endorsement of the LOOLA position or group in the on-going "off leash" debate in Santa Cruz County. We regret the confusion.
The following statement was unanimously approved as the position of the Animal Services Authority in this matter:
The Animal Services Authority reaffirms our continued commitment to current leash laws as stated in the County's code, that we support the designation and maintenance of off-leash areas where they are enclosed or otherwise fenced or confined to effectively ensure public safety as well as address land use requirements. We also encourage the Cities and County to consider the possibility of examining enclosed or otherwise fenced confined off-leash areas in the future with recognition for public safety, environmental well being and the well being of the animals.
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is dedicated to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
Melanie Sobel
General Manager
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
2200 7th Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Office: 831-454-7203
Fax: 831-454-7210
September 5, 2013
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter staff recently appeared in a video produced by "New Dogs in Town," a community for dog lovers and owners in Santa Cruz County.
In the video, Animal Shelter staff discusses their work, the value of off leash exercise for dogs, advocacy for leash law compliance, and responsible dog ownership. In developing the video, staff was advised by the producers that the video was intended to be used for informative and educational purposes. However, it appears the video is now being used as a means of garnering support for off-leash areas on the beaches in Santa Cruz.
Please be advised that the appearance of Animal Services staff on the video is not an endorsement of the LOOLA position or group in the on-going "off leash" debate in Santa Cruz County. We regret the confusion.
The following statement was unanimously approved as the position of the Animal Services Authority in this matter:
The Animal Services Authority reaffirms our continued commitment to current leash laws as stated in the County's code, that we support the designation and maintenance of off-leash areas where they are enclosed or otherwise fenced or confined to effectively ensure public safety as well as address land use requirements. We also encourage the Cities and County to consider the possibility of examining enclosed or otherwise fenced confined off-leash areas in the future with recognition for public safety, environmental well being and the well being of the animals.
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is dedicated to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
Melanie Sobel
General Manager
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
2200 7th Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Office: 831-454-7203
Fax: 831-454-7210
OFF LEASH DOGS DESTROY BEAUTIFUL BEACH AMBIANCE
"...little-by-little, I noticed that the formerly pristine patch of beach was sadly turning into an off-leash dog park."
Click HERE to read more...
Click HERE to read more...
Even friendly dogs should be kept on leash
So here's the simple solution, folks — keep your dogs on leash in public places where it's required you keep them on leash.
Beside the mere fact that there are rules for a reason, there is also the fact that even if you want to risk breaking the rules, other people don't. Other people will have dogs on leashes, many of them are friendly dogs too, but as we've just found out, even friendly dogs are more apt to get into fights while on leash.
Adding to this whole idea of following the rules is the fact that there are people out there like me with dogs who are less than perfect. So long as we are responsible with our dogs — we keep them on a leash and we keep them away from you and your dogs — there is nothing wrong with us wanting to walk our less-than-perfect dogs. In fact, if our dogs are ever going to become better, we MUST get out there in the world to exercise our dogs and socialize them to different scenarios. Our less-than-perfect dogs will never become better dogs if we keep them locked up inside a house all day.
The ironic thing is, it is we-owners-of-less-than-perfect-dogs who are more likely to follow rules than those who own perfectly-friendly-happy-go-lucky dogs.
And one more thing — there are a whole lot of dog owners out there who own less-than-perfect dogs and don't realize it or even refuse to acknowledge it. Now that is worth being scared of, and it's certainly worth protecting your dog from.
Leashes — a cheap tool to prevent expensive emergency vet bills. Isn't that reason enough to use them?
Click HERE to read more...
Beside the mere fact that there are rules for a reason, there is also the fact that even if you want to risk breaking the rules, other people don't. Other people will have dogs on leashes, many of them are friendly dogs too, but as we've just found out, even friendly dogs are more apt to get into fights while on leash.
Adding to this whole idea of following the rules is the fact that there are people out there like me with dogs who are less than perfect. So long as we are responsible with our dogs — we keep them on a leash and we keep them away from you and your dogs — there is nothing wrong with us wanting to walk our less-than-perfect dogs. In fact, if our dogs are ever going to become better, we MUST get out there in the world to exercise our dogs and socialize them to different scenarios. Our less-than-perfect dogs will never become better dogs if we keep them locked up inside a house all day.
The ironic thing is, it is we-owners-of-less-than-perfect-dogs who are more likely to follow rules than those who own perfectly-friendly-happy-go-lucky dogs.
And one more thing — there are a whole lot of dog owners out there who own less-than-perfect dogs and don't realize it or even refuse to acknowledge it. Now that is worth being scared of, and it's certainly worth protecting your dog from.
Leashes — a cheap tool to prevent expensive emergency vet bills. Isn't that reason enough to use them?
Click HERE to read more...
Lucky plover: Threatened shorebirds get help from researchers, aquarium program
By Donna Jones
Santa Cruz Sentinel
08/08/2013 07:07:11 PM PDT
"People can play a big part in the snowy plovers' survival, as well. Paying attention to fencing designed to protect habitat, leaving pets at home and hauling out garbage that attracts predators make a difference."
Click HERE to read more...
Santa Cruz Sentinel
08/08/2013 07:07:11 PM PDT
"People can play a big part in the snowy plovers' survival, as well. Paying attention to fencing designed to protect habitat, leaving pets at home and hauling out garbage that attracts predators make a difference."
Click HERE to read more...
Dogs attacking birds in Sam Smith Park, say bird watchers
Although Sam Smith Park has a designated off-leash zone, many dog owners prefer to let their pets run untethered through the main park, ecologically enhanced by the city to provide an avian habitat. Angry birders say dogs are thwarting the reproductive efforts of songbird species that normally breed on the grass, like Savannah sparrows and killdeer.
Click HERE to read more...
Click HERE to read more...
Scarborough Facing Fines in Wake of Bird's Death
MPBN Public Radio Network
08/01/2013 12:58 PM ET
The piping plover chick was killed by an unleashed dog July 15 at Pine Point, prompting a federal investigation.
The town of Scarborough is facing a federal fine after an endangered piping plover was killed by a dog at Pine Point last month.
In the wake of the incident, the Town Council Ordinance Committee is considering additional restrictions on dogs on the town's beaches, according to the Bangor Daily News.
The piping plover chick was killed by an unleashed dog July 15. Federal authorities are investigating the incident, and the town faces a minimum fine of $25,000 for violations of the Endangered Species Act.
Members of the Ordinance Committee told the paper that they're opposed to banning dogs completely from the beaches, but are considering more restrictive leash laws.
The birds are listed as an endangered species in Maine, and as a theatened species in the Northeast region by the federal government.
08/01/2013 12:58 PM ET
The piping plover chick was killed by an unleashed dog July 15 at Pine Point, prompting a federal investigation.
The town of Scarborough is facing a federal fine after an endangered piping plover was killed by a dog at Pine Point last month.
In the wake of the incident, the Town Council Ordinance Committee is considering additional restrictions on dogs on the town's beaches, according to the Bangor Daily News.
The piping plover chick was killed by an unleashed dog July 15. Federal authorities are investigating the incident, and the town faces a minimum fine of $25,000 for violations of the Endangered Species Act.
Members of the Ordinance Committee told the paper that they're opposed to banning dogs completely from the beaches, but are considering more restrictive leash laws.
The birds are listed as an endangered species in Maine, and as a theatened species in the Northeast region by the federal government.
Wardens look into death of endangered plover
SCARBOROUGH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Game Wardens are still gathering information in their investigation of the mauling death of an endangered piping plover on Pine Point Beach.
Wardens appealed for the public's help identifying a beach goer whose dog attacked and killed the plover chick Monday morning.
Woman hurt, two dogs die in Ponte Vedra Beach mayhem
A South Ponte Vedra Beach woman was badly bitten Friday evening while using her body as a shield to protect her little 8-year-old Pomeranian from being killed by two attacking American bulldog-pit mixes.
Click HERE to read more...
Click HERE to read more...
Santa Cruz Sentinel Letter to the Editor
July 14, 2013
Every dog has his day
Had to pass along a recent doggy happening reported to me by visitors from New Hampshire. No sooner had they gotten their blanket down at Hidden Beach, when a friendly, floppy, wet, dog bounded up to them, sand and all and greeted them enthusiastically. The unleashed visitor was followed by an apologetic owner who said, "Sorry for this, but it's his birthday and he gets to do what he wants to do today!" My family laughed about this for days but I'm not sure it is funny.
J. MARVIN REYNOLDS, Aptos
Had to pass along a recent doggy happening reported to me by visitors from New Hampshire. No sooner had they gotten their blanket down at Hidden Beach, when a friendly, floppy, wet, dog bounded up to them, sand and all and greeted them enthusiastically. The unleashed visitor was followed by an apologetic owner who said, "Sorry for this, but it's his birthday and he gets to do what he wants to do today!" My family laughed about this for days but I'm not sure it is funny.
J. MARVIN REYNOLDS, Aptos
Tuesday meeting to focus on creating off-leash dog park in Boulder Creek
By Bonnie Horgos
Santa Cruz Sentinel
Posted: 07/06/2013 11:51:47 AM PDT
BOULDER CREEK -- While district parks and Redwood Elementary School haven't panned out as venues for a local off-leash dog park, Boulder Creek residents aren't giving up.
For years, dog owners living in the San Lorenzo Valley town have sought to create a park for K-9s. After a meeting last month, residents started approaching owners of local lots including Garrahan Park and the elementary school to lease the land.
In an effort to drum up support, dog park advocates will meet again Tuesday.
Santa Cruz Sentinel
Posted: 07/06/2013 11:51:47 AM PDT
BOULDER CREEK -- While district parks and Redwood Elementary School haven't panned out as venues for a local off-leash dog park, Boulder Creek residents aren't giving up.
For years, dog owners living in the San Lorenzo Valley town have sought to create a park for K-9s. After a meeting last month, residents started approaching owners of local lots including Garrahan Park and the elementary school to lease the land.
In an effort to drum up support, dog park advocates will meet again Tuesday.
Carol Carson, who lives by Big Basin Redwoods State Park, said she takes her 9-year-old Pomeranian Bucky to Lighthouse Point Park on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. The drive is more than 15 miles each way.
Leash laws need stronger enforcement
OUR OPINION: Leash laws need stronger enforcement
Grand Forks authorities should note the growing number of complaints about unleashed dogs, and crack down. When no one seems to be enforcing the law, more dog owners take advantage; and that seems to be what’s happening here.
“Some Grand Forks dog owners say too many people are ignoring city leash laws, causing their pets to be attacked by loose dogs in area green spaces,”
Santa Cruz Sentinel - Letters to the Editor
Wednesday, June 26
Off-leash dogs at Anna Jean Cummings
In your Editorial of June 12, it is stated that “the county is considering off leash areas in existing county parks, including Soquel’s Anna Jean Cummings Park.” Please consider some other area. We already have enough people walking their leashes here. Many a dog roams free while the owner carries the leash. The owners often say “he/she’s friendly” when the dog approaches me.
I don’t care how friendly your dog is. I don’t approach your dog, and I don’t like your dog approaching me. Owners — please use the leash in your hand for its intended use.
In your Editorial of June 12, it is stated that “the county is considering off leash areas in existing county parks, including Soquel’s Anna Jean Cummings Park.” Please consider some other area. We already have enough people walking their leashes here. Many a dog roams free while the owner carries the leash. The owners often say “he/she’s friendly” when the dog approaches me.
I don’t care how friendly your dog is. I don’t approach your dog, and I don’t like your dog approaching me. Owners — please use the leash in your hand for its intended use.
Put a stop to Off-Leash Dogs in On-Leash Areas
Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D. and Dan Estep, Ph.D. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists
Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D. and Dan Estep, Ph.D. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists
Guidelines for dog parks
http://dogbitelaw.com/dog-parks-liability-for-dog-bites/guidelines-for-dog-parks.html
If you are thinking about establishing a dog park or a dog run, consult with an attorney familiar with the area where the new facility will be. You also should read a copy of Attorney Kenneth Phillips' article, The Perfect Dog Park, which gives guidelines to ensure safety, harmony and accountability. You can download a free copy from the Dog Bite Law Bookstore.
As a starting point, here are some guidelines that will promote safety and hopefully limit liability:
http://dogbitelaw.com/dog-parks-liability-for-dog-bites/guidelines-for-dog-parks.html
If you are thinking about establishing a dog park or a dog run, consult with an attorney familiar with the area where the new facility will be. You also should read a copy of Attorney Kenneth Phillips' article, The Perfect Dog Park, which gives guidelines to ensure safety, harmony and accountability. You can download a free copy from the Dog Bite Law Bookstore.
As a starting point, here are some guidelines that will promote safety and hopefully limit liability:
- There should be adequate fences that dogs cannot dig under or jump over
- There should be adequate parking so that dog owners can drive to the dog park and park their cars in the parking area, as opposed to walking large numbers of dogs on nearby streets, and taking up precious parking spaces required by the residents
- There should be at least one gate that securely latches (consider using two gates, so that a dog rushing through the first cannot get past the second)
- Visible signs should establish rules
- Users should be advised that they will be using the park at their own risk, including but not limited to the risk of being bitten, being knocked down, tripping, etc.
- The number of dogs per person must be limited
- The age of users must be limited.
- Professional dog walkers should register (at least)
- Every dog must wear a collar.
- Every owner must possess a leash upon the person of the owner (for taking the dog to and from the car or the park)
- Every dog must display its license or registration tag (illegal dogs are denied privileges in the park; important if there are problems in the park)
- Every dog must be current on its vaccinations
- Every person bringing a dog to the park must possess a driver's license or government-issued identification card (important if there are problems)
- No dog shall be left unattended by its owner
- No dogs allowed if previously adjudicated to be dangerous
- No dogs allowed that previously have bitten or injured a person or another animal
- No dog allowed that is known to initiate fights with other dogs
- Dogs to remain on leash at all times, coming to and from dog run
- All violations will be investigated and one of the possible penalties is revocation of privilege
- There is a prominently posted address for complaints, which will be reviewed in a timely manner
- There will be a board or other body that will make decisions regarding enforcement and application of penalties
Off-leash Dogs, Irresponsible Dog Owners Wreak Havoc in Parks
A rash of attacks by off-leash dogs in San Francisco parks has led to renewed calls for leash law enforcement—a safe, effective way to keep people, our pets, wildlife, and all park animals safe. Click HERE for more...
Two Goslings Dead, Leash Laws Still Not Enforced at GGNRA
On April 18, San Francisco resident Mikiye Nakanishi—a bird lover and dog owner—was watching a goose family waddle into San Francisco Bay from Crissy Field lagoon. But before the goslings could make it over the waves, an off-leash dog attacked the goose family. Click HERE for more...
Even the best dogs can do bad things off-leash
Letter: Daily Coloradoan
May 9, 2013
A dog running free, even within hearing range, can quickly run out of sight, especially on winding trails and in forested areas. In that time, your voice-trained, affable dog may approach a lone hiker, who has no idea whether the dog is friendly or even accompanied by an owner. Your dog may also approach a leashed dog who considers other dogs a threat (many do).
In that brief moment, while you’re still out of sight, the other dog owner is left to negotiate a situation that can instantly turn unfriendly, and even the best trained dogs forget their training in high stress situations.
Your free-roaming dog may instinctively kill a small critter, leave droppings of its own, or worse yet, provoke bigger game, such as moose or elk. Don’t anger a moose unless you can out run it.
While it would be nice for your dog to roam off-leash, it would necessarily curb the rights of others trying to enjoy those places with the same ease. Unfortunately, too many dog owners flout existing leash laws, making it impossible to tell those dogs apart from those under voice command.
The best way for all of us — humans, dogs and wildlife — to enjoy shared spaces is to keep dogs attached to leads at all times.
Mary Lehti, Fort Collins
May 9, 2013
A dog running free, even within hearing range, can quickly run out of sight, especially on winding trails and in forested areas. In that time, your voice-trained, affable dog may approach a lone hiker, who has no idea whether the dog is friendly or even accompanied by an owner. Your dog may also approach a leashed dog who considers other dogs a threat (many do).
In that brief moment, while you’re still out of sight, the other dog owner is left to negotiate a situation that can instantly turn unfriendly, and even the best trained dogs forget their training in high stress situations.
Your free-roaming dog may instinctively kill a small critter, leave droppings of its own, or worse yet, provoke bigger game, such as moose or elk. Don’t anger a moose unless you can out run it.
While it would be nice for your dog to roam off-leash, it would necessarily curb the rights of others trying to enjoy those places with the same ease. Unfortunately, too many dog owners flout existing leash laws, making it impossible to tell those dogs apart from those under voice command.
The best way for all of us — humans, dogs and wildlife — to enjoy shared spaces is to keep dogs attached to leads at all times.
Mary Lehti, Fort Collins
Urban Dog Etiquette
May 2, 2013
ASPCA
"When leashed, a dog is safe from traffic and unable to follow his instincts to chase children, investigate garbage cans or dig up landscaping. Whether a dog is friendly or aggressive, a leash keeps him in check and allows the public to pass undisturbed.
"Remember that dogs can be frightened by sudden loud noises, such as running children, motorcycles, skateboarders and in-line skaters, to name a few. Be aware that such situations may demand quick and complete control on your part to prevent your dog from lunging or biting."
Click HERE to read more
"Remember that dogs can be frightened by sudden loud noises, such as running children, motorcycles, skateboarders and in-line skaters, to name a few. Be aware that such situations may demand quick and complete control on your part to prevent your dog from lunging or biting."
Click HERE to read more
Concern grows over off-leash dogs at Crissy Field
4/29/2013
KTVU.com
SAN FRANCISCO — There seems to be growing concern over off-leash dogs at San Francisco's Crissy Field.
Crissy Field is a dog lover's paradise, but dogs are now being blamed for killing some young wildlife there.
"It's probably a good idea to keep them on a leash," said Stephanie Diaz. "I would rather have my dog on a leash all the time than have the space we can visit limited."
On April 18, some off-leash dogs attacked and killed two goslings on the shoreline.
That's why the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is sending out a warning to dog owners.
The superintendent released this statement: "Visitors with dogs are responsible for preventing their dogs from damaging park resources or attacking wildlife or people. We will use existing federal regulations to prosecute owners who create the kind of problems that have occurred throughout the park."
Dog trainer Scott Stauffer said no dog should be off-leash if an owner can't control it.
"There's a command called, 'Leave it,' a dog should be able to pull away from it and come back to the owner," Stauffer said. "And that's something I teach with my classes."
According to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, there have been at least nine incidents in the past year where a dog bit a park employee or a visitor out here. They say most of those incidents involved off-leash dogs.
But dog advocate Sally Stephens says this warning comes too close to a supplemental dog management plan about to be released that would restrict where dogs can roam in the recreation area.
"It makes you wonder whether it's an attempt to kind of imply there's a much larger problem than there is," Stephens said.
Park officials say the attack won't affect the plan
San Diego Beach Leash Laws
via email to LLASCC
Visited quite a few beaches here including La Jolla, Mission and Pacific beaches. All have this signage describing winter and summer hours for when dogs can even be on the beach, and in all cases must be on-leash. From what I've seen, the people obey the signs without any visible patrols
Leash law enjoyed
Santa Cruz Sentinel - April 8, 2013
I just enjoyed a blissful walk on the beach near my home (21st Avenue in Live Oak). There were people, birds, kites and dogs. And to my surprise? Dogs on leashes! A big thank you to Animal Control Services for enforcing our leash law. I believe it is safer for humans, the dogs and our environment. Keep up the good work.
Sidney Irving, Santa Cruz
I just enjoyed a blissful walk on the beach near my home (21st Avenue in Live Oak). There were people, birds, kites and dogs. And to my surprise? Dogs on leashes! A big thank you to Animal Control Services for enforcing our leash law. I believe it is safer for humans, the dogs and our environment. Keep up the good work.
Sidney Irving, Santa Cruz
Federal agency investigating sea lion attack
By Bryce Alderton
April 2, 2013 | 5:20 p.m.
Laguna Beach police Capt. Jason Kravetz confirmed Monday that the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration is investigating an incident March 23 at Goff Island Beach when a bulldog escaped from its owner and mauled and killed a sea lion.
Kravetz said city officials and NOAA representatives met last week for an hour and determined that the federal agency would look into possible civil or criminal charges against the owner of the 65-pound American bulldog mix.
"We don't have power to enforce federal codes," Kravetz said, adding that the area where the attack occurred is within a federal marine protection area.
This is not the first time a case like this has happened, he said.
"One of the NOAA officers told me of a case in Northern California where a couple was camping on the beach when their dog got loose and nipped a sea lion," Kravetz said. "They were charged a $200 fine."
NOAA's office of law enforcement is investigating the incident, as it would with any complaint about possible violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Lesli Bales-Sherrod, communications specialist for NOAA's office of law enforcement, wrote in an email.
The act prohibits, with certain exceptions, the "take" — harassment, hunting, capturing, killing, collecting, or the attempt to do so — of marine mammals, Bales-Sherrod said. Violations can result in a civil fine of up to $11,000, or a criminal penalty of up to $100,000 and imprisonment of up to a year or both.
The NOAA’s special agent headquartered in Long Beach is not aware of any similar incidents of a dog attacking and killing a sea lion in Orange County, Bales-Sherrod said.
The Orange County Register first reported the story Monday.
Laguna Beach police arrived at Goff Island Beach on March 23 to find that the dog had broken free from its 18-year-old owner, the daughter of former astronaut Mark Kelly and stepdaughter of former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, according to an earlier Coastline Pilot story. Police said the dog attacked the beached sea lion on a public beach below the Montage Laguna Beach.
Officers didn't cite the owner "because it was legal for her to have the dog on the beach that time of year, and she did have [the animal] leashed," Kravetz said at the time.
[email protected]
April 2, 2013 | 5:20 p.m.
Laguna Beach police Capt. Jason Kravetz confirmed Monday that the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration is investigating an incident March 23 at Goff Island Beach when a bulldog escaped from its owner and mauled and killed a sea lion.
Kravetz said city officials and NOAA representatives met last week for an hour and determined that the federal agency would look into possible civil or criminal charges against the owner of the 65-pound American bulldog mix.
"We don't have power to enforce federal codes," Kravetz said, adding that the area where the attack occurred is within a federal marine protection area.
This is not the first time a case like this has happened, he said.
"One of the NOAA officers told me of a case in Northern California where a couple was camping on the beach when their dog got loose and nipped a sea lion," Kravetz said. "They were charged a $200 fine."
NOAA's office of law enforcement is investigating the incident, as it would with any complaint about possible violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Lesli Bales-Sherrod, communications specialist for NOAA's office of law enforcement, wrote in an email.
The act prohibits, with certain exceptions, the "take" — harassment, hunting, capturing, killing, collecting, or the attempt to do so — of marine mammals, Bales-Sherrod said. Violations can result in a civil fine of up to $11,000, or a criminal penalty of up to $100,000 and imprisonment of up to a year or both.
The NOAA’s special agent headquartered in Long Beach is not aware of any similar incidents of a dog attacking and killing a sea lion in Orange County, Bales-Sherrod said.
The Orange County Register first reported the story Monday.
Laguna Beach police arrived at Goff Island Beach on March 23 to find that the dog had broken free from its 18-year-old owner, the daughter of former astronaut Mark Kelly and stepdaughter of former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, according to an earlier Coastline Pilot story. Police said the dog attacked the beached sea lion on a public beach below the Montage Laguna Beach.
Officers didn't cite the owner "because it was legal for her to have the dog on the beach that time of year, and she did have [the animal] leashed," Kravetz said at the time.
[email protected]
Off-Leash Hours don't work!
"Lawmakers in Miami Beach, Fla., are debating whether to shut down an off-leash dog park in the city over concerns about public safety."
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/03/09/Miami-Beach-debates-future-of-dog-park/UPI-12331362861860/#ixzz2NFLRVOyX
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/03/09/Miami-Beach-debates-future-of-dog-park/UPI-12331362861860/#ixzz2NFLRVOyX
Upper East Siders Feel Persecuted For Walking Dogs in Central Park
March 11, 2013
In complaints echoing those heard on Santa Cruz County beaches, New Yorkers complain about getting tickets for allowing their dogs off-leash outside of designated off-leash hours.
"The dog community is feeling persecuted. There is ill will and I know many people who feel the same way. It seems like a very targeted, mean-spirited thing and we're kind of at the point where it's changed our lives."
Read more here.
"The dog community is feeling persecuted. There is ill will and I know many people who feel the same way. It seems like a very targeted, mean-spirited thing and we're kind of at the point where it's changed our lives."
Read more here.
Quickly Killed: Rancho Palos Verdes Dog Beach
Posted on April 5, 2012
DBN's favorite picture among the copious coverage of the unfortunate RPV decision to rescind its two-month-old, intended-to-be-yearlong dog beach pilot program. Have you ever seen a poodle gaze more longingly at two beach-loving unleashed horses—whose riders literally never scoop their poop?
Concerned citizens, dog lovers, scientists and environmental activists descended upon Rancho Palos Verdes city council Tuesday to voice their opinion on a local dog beach. In the end, the council decided to kill a dog beach pilot program because of environmental and financial concerns. The program was approved less than two months ago, but then drew criticism from residents and the Trump National Golf Club.
- See more at: http://dogbeachnow.org/#sthash.MbxZLnZF.dpuf
DBN's favorite picture among the copious coverage of the unfortunate RPV decision to rescind its two-month-old, intended-to-be-yearlong dog beach pilot program. Have you ever seen a poodle gaze more longingly at two beach-loving unleashed horses—whose riders literally never scoop their poop?
Concerned citizens, dog lovers, scientists and environmental activists descended upon Rancho Palos Verdes city council Tuesday to voice their opinion on a local dog beach. In the end, the council decided to kill a dog beach pilot program because of environmental and financial concerns. The program was approved less than two months ago, but then drew criticism from residents and the Trump National Golf Club.
- See more at: http://dogbeachnow.org/#sthash.MbxZLnZF.dpuf
Doggie Overload
http://laist.com/2012/03/30/doggie_overload_local_off-leash_dog_beach.php
Playful pooches may soon be ordered to tuck their tails between their legs and trot away from the shorelines. Rancho Palos Verdes residents and city officials have voiced concern about the popularity of the city's dog beach pilot program, and their worries will increase along with spring and summer temperatures.
Approved February 21, the 12-month program allows dog owners to off-leash their furry companions at Rancho Palos Verdes Beach. Citing an unexpected response, officials told The Daily Breeze the program "appears to be beyond what is appropriate and sustainable for the site, especially given the apparent pent-up demand for this type of facility in the greater Los Angeles area."
Rangers have tallied up to 60 humans and 35 canines on the 5-acre zone in one weekend. During the week, the beach sees about 15 people and 15 dogs daily. Officials believe warmer weather will attract even more wagging tails.
In a report obtained by the publication, council members recommend cancelling the program, stating concern "that the regulations and improvements to the beach that would be needed to address all of the concerns that have been raised through the public outreach process would overtax the city's resources and would benefit a specific user group to the detriment of the environment and the greater public use and enjoyment of the beach." Major concerns include parking and enforcement issues.
Located just below the Trump National Golf Course on Ocean Trails, the strip helps fill in the 60+ mile gap between the canine-liberating shores of Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu and Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach.
The problematic pooch park will be discussed at Tuesday's 7pm City Council meeting at Fred Hesse Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes.
http://laist.com/2012/03/30/doggie_overload_local_off-leash_dog_beach.php
Playful pooches may soon be ordered to tuck their tails between their legs and trot away from the shorelines. Rancho Palos Verdes residents and city officials have voiced concern about the popularity of the city's dog beach pilot program, and their worries will increase along with spring and summer temperatures.
Approved February 21, the 12-month program allows dog owners to off-leash their furry companions at Rancho Palos Verdes Beach. Citing an unexpected response, officials told The Daily Breeze the program "appears to be beyond what is appropriate and sustainable for the site, especially given the apparent pent-up demand for this type of facility in the greater Los Angeles area."
Rangers have tallied up to 60 humans and 35 canines on the 5-acre zone in one weekend. During the week, the beach sees about 15 people and 15 dogs daily. Officials believe warmer weather will attract even more wagging tails.
In a report obtained by the publication, council members recommend cancelling the program, stating concern "that the regulations and improvements to the beach that would be needed to address all of the concerns that have been raised through the public outreach process would overtax the city's resources and would benefit a specific user group to the detriment of the environment and the greater public use and enjoyment of the beach." Major concerns include parking and enforcement issues.
Located just below the Trump National Golf Course on Ocean Trails, the strip helps fill in the 60+ mile gap between the canine-liberating shores of Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu and Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach.
The problematic pooch park will be discussed at Tuesday's 7pm City Council meeting at Fred Hesse Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes.
Napa city update: Off-leash dogs education campaign completed
March 6, 2013
Following numerous calls to the Parks and Recreation Services Department and the Police Department about dogs off leash on trails and walkways and in city parks, Police Department volunteers reached out to dog owners in public areas.
During the first half of February, volunteers passed out the city of Napa Dogs Regulations, Parks and Recreational Areas information that was prepared by and provided by Parks and Rec. The informational portion of this program has concluded and the Police Department is now preparing to contact and potentially issue citations to owners who choose to not comply with the Napa Municipal Code sections pertaining to dogs in City parks.
The handout on regulations can be downloaded at cityofnapa.org. The city's goal is to see dog owners voluntarily comply with leash regulations so that all residents using recreational areas can continue to have a positive experience.
During the first half of February, volunteers passed out the city of Napa Dogs Regulations, Parks and Recreational Areas information that was prepared by and provided by Parks and Rec. The informational portion of this program has concluded and the Police Department is now preparing to contact and potentially issue citations to owners who choose to not comply with the Napa Municipal Code sections pertaining to dogs in City parks.
The handout on regulations can be downloaded at cityofnapa.org. The city's goal is to see dog owners voluntarily comply with leash regulations so that all residents using recreational areas can continue to have a positive experience.
Santa Cruz Sentinel June 30, 2000
Something is smacking on the snowy plovers
Three snowy plover chicks have hatched on the beach side of Corcoran Lagoon--but one has disappeared.
Federally listed as a threatened species, the chicks hatched June 16, according to Michael Scheele of the County Parks and Recreation Department.
For the next few weeks, at least one adult plover will stick with the remaining chicks, at least that's what the biologists predict. After that, the young plovers are on their own.
The birds face an array of natural and introduced predators--including unleashed dogs. To help the birds, Scheele is asking dog owners to observe existing leash laws, particularly on Corcoran Lagoon Beach, at East Cliff Drive and about 20th Avenue.
Police Seek to Curb Off-Leash Dog Incidents
February 5, 2013 Napa Valley Patch
In an attempt to reduce the number of off-leash dog incidents, the Napa Police Department is taking steps to inform city park users on the dog leash ordinance.
NPD Capt. Jeff Troendly said the new initiative was triggered by a flurry of phone calls and emails from residents reporting various issues with off-leash dogs, he said.
"Dogs must be on leash in all public areas, except in those areas identified by city ordinance," Troendly said Monday.
Click HERE to read more.
NPD Capt. Jeff Troendly said the new initiative was triggered by a flurry of phone calls and emails from residents reporting various issues with off-leash dogs, he said.
"Dogs must be on leash in all public areas, except in those areas identified by city ordinance," Troendly said Monday.
Click HERE to read more.
Canines are the basis of a legal action challenging the Environmental Impact Report for the restoration of Albany Beach.
01/31/2013 10:06:43 AM PST West County Times
"Dogs have an impact on wildlife, chasing birds," he said. "That weakens the birds in terms of the ability to rest and to forage. And there's the aesthetic impact that dogs off-leash aren't controlled as well by the owners, or at all, and this has caused impacts on other park users, particularly the elderly and young children."
Norman La Force of Sustainability, Parks, Recycling and Wildlife Defense Fund
Click HERE to read more
Norman La Force of Sustainability, Parks, Recycling and Wildlife Defense Fund
Click HERE to read more
Dogs on beaches a bad combination
January 13, 2013 Santa Cruz Sentinel
Grant Wesman gets it exactly right in expressing his concern about the romanticizing effect of the Sentinel's cutsey "dogs on the beach" photograph. Yesterday I saw the worst example of dog owner misbehavior at low tide beside the 41st Avenue steps. I encountered a dog attacking a cormorant, which in trying to escape was ineffectively burying its head in one of the tidal pools. When I yelled at the dog, a nearby man told me not to go near his dog. I explained that by county regulation his dog should be on a leash and that he was also violating the federal marine aanctuary "no wildlife harassment" regulations. He made no attempt to control the dog and as I left after two attempts to scare off the dog it was once again attacking the cormorant.
Now that the Animal Control board has decided against changing the beach leash regulations it is time it moved to consider more effective enforcement.
Ian Walton, Santa Cruz
Now that the Animal Control board has decided against changing the beach leash regulations it is time it moved to consider more effective enforcement.
Ian Walton, Santa Cruz
Santa Monica Dog Beach Put On Leash
NOV. 27, 2011, 12:47 AM Santa Monica Mirror
“The risk to threatened species, such as the snowy plover, and to sensitive ecosystems, the possible threat to the safety of visitors, wildlife, other dogs, interference or displacement of recreational users, and health issues related to dog feces and dog urine in the water and sand (were all cited as key worries for not allowing a dog beach).”
Santa Monica Community and Cultural Services Director Barbara Stinchfield, Nov. 27, 2011
Click HERE to read more
Santa Monica Community and Cultural Services Director Barbara Stinchfield, Nov. 27, 2011
Click HERE to read more
Wildlife and pets don’t mix!
Wild animals can injure and spread diseases to pets, and in turn, pets can harm and disturb wildlife. For example, wild animals recognize dogs as predators and quickly flee when they see or smell dogs. If you are traveling with a pet, always keep them on a leash and away from areas frequented by marine wildlife.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Ocean Etiquette
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Ocean Etiquette
Dogs Chasing Shorebirds
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Committee for Responsible Dog Ownership (click for rest of article)
Specifically on the West Coast, but we've seen that East Coast dog owners are no better behaved. A letter to the president of a local humane society posted on a Yahoo group:
Hi Ken.
Thanks for your thoughtful post in SFGate.com on human nature and animals.
Along those lines, as a dog lover and wild bird lover, I'm amazed at how dog owners allow and encourage their dogs to chase wild shorebirds.
It's a growing, daily problem here on the Coastside. Dog owners from throughout the Bay Area come to the Coastside to let their dogs play and run on the beaches. Many dogs chase and flush birds. This is lots of fun for everyone, except the wild birds who need to feed on the beaches.
Specifically on the West Coast, but we've seen that East Coast dog owners are no better behaved. A letter to the president of a local humane society posted on a Yahoo group:
Hi Ken.
Thanks for your thoughtful post in SFGate.com on human nature and animals.
Along those lines, as a dog lover and wild bird lover, I'm amazed at how dog owners allow and encourage their dogs to chase wild shorebirds.
It's a growing, daily problem here on the Coastside. Dog owners from throughout the Bay Area come to the Coastside to let their dogs play and run on the beaches. Many dogs chase and flush birds. This is lots of fun for everyone, except the wild birds who need to feed on the beaches.
Leashed is Loved
06/15/2010 Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida, Inc
Do you love your dog? Most of us would answer this question with a resounding “yes.” We give our pets affection, make sure their needs are met and shower them with toys and treats. But what do you ensure that your dog is kept safe from harm?
At GRRMF, we are absolutely passionate about safety. Safety is the reason that all adoptive families must sign a legally binding contract with the requirement that whenever the dog is outside of a securely fenced area, it must be on a leash. No exceptions. Read more...
Put a Stop to Off-leash Dogs in On-leash Areas
By Animal Behavior Associates
Too many dog owners seem to be operating under the false assumption that there is nothing wrong with allowing their dogs to run off leash in on-leash areas, because their dogs are “friendly” and won’t harm anyone. Many of these folks will even yell at a distance, as their dogs come galloping toward people “Don’t worry, he’s friendly”, as though that makes their illegal and dangerous choice acceptable. Read More...
By Animal Behavior Associates
Too many dog owners seem to be operating under the false assumption that there is nothing wrong with allowing their dogs to run off leash in on-leash areas, because their dogs are “friendly” and won’t harm anyone. Many of these folks will even yell at a distance, as their dogs come galloping toward people “Don’t worry, he’s friendly”, as though that makes their illegal and dangerous choice acceptable. Read More...
Unleashed Dogs Overrun Reno Parks
1/30/12 Reno Gazette-Journal
“It’s rude,” she says of people letting their dogs run in parks. “Others want to play at the park, too.”
http://www.rgj.com/article/20121013/LIV/310130012/Unleashed-dogs-overrun-Reno-parks
http://www.rgj.com/article/20121013/LIV/310130012/Unleashed-dogs-overrun-Reno-parks
Snowy Plover Protection
California Department of Parks and Recreation
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22542
Dogs don’t have to catch plovers or other birds to harm them. Plovers often flush from nests at just the sight of a dog, regardless if it is on a leash or not. Dogs that are near to or chasing snowy plovers can frighten adult plovers into abandoning nests or chicks. A frightened snowy plover may crush its own eggs while running off a nest, or may lose its chicks. Also, birds have very small reserves of energy. The amount of energy that a bird expends fleeing from dogs, instead of gathering food, can actually be enough to kill the bird.
The federal Endangered Species Act makes it a crime "to harass, harm, pursue" a threatened species without special exemption. "Harm" is defined to include significant habitat modification or degradation which actually kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding or sheltering. Harassment is defined as an intentional or neglectful action that creates the likelihood of injury to wildlife by annoying it to such an extent as to significantly disrupt normal behavior patterns which include, but are not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering. In other words, if a beach goer brings a dog onto the beach, and the dog disrupts the feeding of a bird, leading to the bird’s injury, then it is a violation of the law.
I don’t see any birds here.
Different beaches are used at different times of the year by plovers. For example, one beach may be used as a wintering area, while another is used for nesting. Furthermore, these measures are being undertaken in an effort for recovery of the species. Many local beaches were historically important locations for the plovers, but have not had plovers in recent years. In order to increase the chances for long-term survival of the species, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service draft recovery plan aims to promote a good distribution of the population, so as not to "place all the eggs in one basket" and leave the entire population vulnerable to localized disturbances. California State Parks is focusing our efforts on areas identified by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife service as recovery habitat.
Additionally, snowy plovers have very good camouflage. Nests and eggs blend in so well that you often cannot see them unless directly on top of them.
The federal Endangered Species Act makes it a crime "to harass, harm, pursue" a threatened species without special exemption. "Harm" is defined to include significant habitat modification or degradation which actually kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding or sheltering. Harassment is defined as an intentional or neglectful action that creates the likelihood of injury to wildlife by annoying it to such an extent as to significantly disrupt normal behavior patterns which include, but are not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering. In other words, if a beach goer brings a dog onto the beach, and the dog disrupts the feeding of a bird, leading to the bird’s injury, then it is a violation of the law.
I don’t see any birds here.
Different beaches are used at different times of the year by plovers. For example, one beach may be used as a wintering area, while another is used for nesting. Furthermore, these measures are being undertaken in an effort for recovery of the species. Many local beaches were historically important locations for the plovers, but have not had plovers in recent years. In order to increase the chances for long-term survival of the species, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service draft recovery plan aims to promote a good distribution of the population, so as not to "place all the eggs in one basket" and leave the entire population vulnerable to localized disturbances. California State Parks is focusing our efforts on areas identified by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife service as recovery habitat.
Additionally, snowy plovers have very good camouflage. Nests and eggs blend in so well that you often cannot see them unless directly on top of them.
Beach Bird Safety Tips
By Melissa Mayntz
http://birding.about.com/od/birdingbasics/a/beachbirdsafety.htm
The beach can be a wonderful place for a picnic, enjoying the sand and surf or spotting shorebirds and marine life, but while the beach is very attractive to humans, it is also the perfect spot for many nesting shorebird colonies such as gulls, plovers and terns. These birds can be very nervous nesters and may become frightened or agitated easily, causing distress to hatchlings. Beachgoers should always practice the appropriate bird and wildlife safety to share the sand with all the creatures who find it attractive.
- Keep all dogs leashed while on the beach and do not permit dogs to chase the birds. Unsupervised dogs can easily destroy nests and kill or injure both juvenile and adult birds. Dog owners can be held liable for the damages their unsupervised pets cause.
Dog kills 60 seabirds at Moloka‘i preserve
Thu, May 07 2009 at 12:58 PM Mother Nature Network
http://www.mnn.com/local-reports/hawaii/nature-conservancy/dog-kills-60-seabirds-at-moloka‘i-preserve
Sixty adult wedge-tailed shearwaters were found dead at The Nature Conservancy’s Mo‘omomi Beach Preserve on the island of Moloka’i.
The ground-nesting seabirds were the victims of an attack by a loose dog, which was captured roaming the dunes with a shearwater in its mouth.
Santa Cruz Patch, August 24, 2012:
Jerry
12:49 am on Friday, August 24, 2012
I'm a huge dog lover (I have two) and I have walked my dogs on this beach for years. Unfortunately, one of my dogs was viciously attacked earlier this year by two pit bulls that were off leash at 26th (mine was on leash because I take responsibility for my pets). I had to restrain the main attacker and luckily I was left unharmed, but not before the main attacking dog tore a gash into my dog's upper hind leg. I carried my dog down the beach and up the stairs (not a little dog, btw) to a good samaritan that witnessed the event. We waited briefly as she got her car and drove us to our nearby home so I could take my dog to Pacific Vet emergency. The owner of the attacking dogs did nothing to stop his dogs except to yell "Oh Shit!" He then gave my daughter false contact information to avoid taking responsibility while I raced my dog to get stitched up. I guarantee that anyone who has gone through a situation like this would never want to see another dog off-leash on our beach or in our neighborhood again. This city law should be followed to the letter for EVERYONE'S protection, period. It only takes a split second for any dog to react.
David Morgan
8:56 am on Friday, August 24, 2012
For the past two years, due to the fact that two family members had been knocked down by off leash dogs on the 26th Avenue beach I have vacated the beach, so in order to enjoy the ocean I have done so from either the rocks or the top of the cliff.
Due to stepped up enforcement the number of dogs have decreased; so on Wednesday I thought that it would be safe to venture onto the beach. I have never had a fear of dogs, only the fear of being used as a bowling pin.on the beach. On Wednesday my perspective changed. At 5.00 pm I ventured onto the beach at Corcoran Lagoon. There was only one dog playing with it's owner. The dog, pit bull mix, checked me out a number of times from a distance of 200 ft. It eventually ran over to me, gave a low growl and put it's nose on my leg. I called the owner and asked him to call his dog, which he did. Two hours later I was on the Moran Lake Beach. A group came to the beach with four off leash dogs. All four dogs came over to me and checked me out and were called off by one of the group. The dogs were so rambunctious that the person who had called the dogs off me decided to take them off the beach. I was leaving at the same time. The dogs came towards me again and the pit bull mix in the group did exactly the same to me as the 5.00 pm dog had. No harm was done, but innocent people should not have to experience what I did. I now understand people who fear dogs.
Gillian Greensite
9:13 am on Friday, August 24, 2012
I understand why some dog owners would love to let their dogs run loose on beaches. I'd love to ride my horse on the beach but understand that my pleasure would ruin the beach for others. I don't understand why the off-leash proponents ignore the negative impact of such usage on others, including marine wild-life. For example, a post above from Jerry describes a serious and negative impact from off-leash dogs and the off-leash proponents act as if nothing happened!
The same indifference is shown to well-documented off-leash dogs scaring children; knocking over the elderly; displacing shore-birds; fouling beaches with urine and feces and illegally taking over beaches such as It's and others. There are no birds now at Its Beach and when I was paddle boarding early Sunday morning the only sounds I could hear were dogs barking at Its. So much for a Marine Sanctuary.
Off-leash usage should be confined to fenced areas away from marine life. Just because you bought a dog does not mean you have a right to let it run loose wherever you feel like it.
25th ave local
3:51 pm on Friday, August 24, 2012
Born and raised on 25th and 26th Ave. 53 years infact! The last 4 years can't even stand to walk that beach because of the off-leashed dogs! Almost had me knee taken out by a dog running out of control! and witnessed attacks and the endless dog poop bags! yes filled left on rocks! our dog passed away years ago when that beach was alot more dog friendly! I love Dogs don't get me wrong, but that beach is out of control!!!
Jerry
12:49 am on Friday, August 24, 2012
I'm a huge dog lover (I have two) and I have walked my dogs on this beach for years. Unfortunately, one of my dogs was viciously attacked earlier this year by two pit bulls that were off leash at 26th (mine was on leash because I take responsibility for my pets). I had to restrain the main attacker and luckily I was left unharmed, but not before the main attacking dog tore a gash into my dog's upper hind leg. I carried my dog down the beach and up the stairs (not a little dog, btw) to a good samaritan that witnessed the event. We waited briefly as she got her car and drove us to our nearby home so I could take my dog to Pacific Vet emergency. The owner of the attacking dogs did nothing to stop his dogs except to yell "Oh Shit!" He then gave my daughter false contact information to avoid taking responsibility while I raced my dog to get stitched up. I guarantee that anyone who has gone through a situation like this would never want to see another dog off-leash on our beach or in our neighborhood again. This city law should be followed to the letter for EVERYONE'S protection, period. It only takes a split second for any dog to react.
David Morgan
8:56 am on Friday, August 24, 2012
For the past two years, due to the fact that two family members had been knocked down by off leash dogs on the 26th Avenue beach I have vacated the beach, so in order to enjoy the ocean I have done so from either the rocks or the top of the cliff.
Due to stepped up enforcement the number of dogs have decreased; so on Wednesday I thought that it would be safe to venture onto the beach. I have never had a fear of dogs, only the fear of being used as a bowling pin.on the beach. On Wednesday my perspective changed. At 5.00 pm I ventured onto the beach at Corcoran Lagoon. There was only one dog playing with it's owner. The dog, pit bull mix, checked me out a number of times from a distance of 200 ft. It eventually ran over to me, gave a low growl and put it's nose on my leg. I called the owner and asked him to call his dog, which he did. Two hours later I was on the Moran Lake Beach. A group came to the beach with four off leash dogs. All four dogs came over to me and checked me out and were called off by one of the group. The dogs were so rambunctious that the person who had called the dogs off me decided to take them off the beach. I was leaving at the same time. The dogs came towards me again and the pit bull mix in the group did exactly the same to me as the 5.00 pm dog had. No harm was done, but innocent people should not have to experience what I did. I now understand people who fear dogs.
Gillian Greensite
9:13 am on Friday, August 24, 2012
I understand why some dog owners would love to let their dogs run loose on beaches. I'd love to ride my horse on the beach but understand that my pleasure would ruin the beach for others. I don't understand why the off-leash proponents ignore the negative impact of such usage on others, including marine wild-life. For example, a post above from Jerry describes a serious and negative impact from off-leash dogs and the off-leash proponents act as if nothing happened!
The same indifference is shown to well-documented off-leash dogs scaring children; knocking over the elderly; displacing shore-birds; fouling beaches with urine and feces and illegally taking over beaches such as It's and others. There are no birds now at Its Beach and when I was paddle boarding early Sunday morning the only sounds I could hear were dogs barking at Its. So much for a Marine Sanctuary.
Off-leash usage should be confined to fenced areas away from marine life. Just because you bought a dog does not mean you have a right to let it run loose wherever you feel like it.
25th ave local
3:51 pm on Friday, August 24, 2012
Born and raised on 25th and 26th Ave. 53 years infact! The last 4 years can't even stand to walk that beach because of the off-leashed dogs! Almost had me knee taken out by a dog running out of control! and witnessed attacks and the endless dog poop bags! yes filled left on rocks! our dog passed away years ago when that beach was alot more dog friendly! I love Dogs don't get me wrong, but that beach is out of control!!!
via email to LLASCC:
August 8, 2012
Santa Cruz County Officials
Reference: Proposed Change in Ordinance to Allow Dogs Off-Leash on the Beaches
It all comes down to: “Does Santa Cruz County support its environment and its native wildlife or does Santa Cruz County wish to let the environment go to the dogs.”
Below are some photos taken in the last week or so of the area near 17th and 20th avenues at Sunny Cove Beach. In the first two photos (page 2), there were no dogs present and the native shorebirds were harvesting their lunch from the shoreline without provocation—doing what they have done for hundreds of years.
The second two photos (page 3) show what happens when a pack of dogs arrives—the native shorebirds get no lunch, no food, no place to hang out without being attacked. The birds are forced to forage in other areas, or even worse, perish due to a lack of nutrition. Dogs are not native species to the beach environment and disturb the natural ecosystem. Is Santa Cruz County going to allow expanded environmental damage by allowing dogs off-leash on its beaches, or is it going to be a responsible caretaker?
Robert Malbon
26th Avenue Resident
“Dogs on Beaches Belong on Leashes”
August 8, 2012
Santa Cruz County Officials
Reference: Proposed Change in Ordinance to Allow Dogs Off-Leash on the Beaches
It all comes down to: “Does Santa Cruz County support its environment and its native wildlife or does Santa Cruz County wish to let the environment go to the dogs.”
Below are some photos taken in the last week or so of the area near 17th and 20th avenues at Sunny Cove Beach. In the first two photos (page 2), there were no dogs present and the native shorebirds were harvesting their lunch from the shoreline without provocation—doing what they have done for hundreds of years.
The second two photos (page 3) show what happens when a pack of dogs arrives—the native shorebirds get no lunch, no food, no place to hang out without being attacked. The birds are forced to forage in other areas, or even worse, perish due to a lack of nutrition. Dogs are not native species to the beach environment and disturb the natural ecosystem. Is Santa Cruz County going to allow expanded environmental damage by allowing dogs off-leash on its beaches, or is it going to be a responsible caretaker?
Robert Malbon
26th Avenue Resident
“Dogs on Beaches Belong on Leashes”
Dog Attack at Its Beach
From the Santa Cruz Sentinel, Friday, 7/20/2012
Letters to the Editor
Bad bite at dog beach'
Sunday afternoon our two pups visited the Westside "dog beach" near the lighthouse. While fetching her stick, our 3-year-old was badly bitten by a young reddish-colored golden retriever-type dog. It was very sudden and with blood everywhere my first priority was to get to the vet. The dog's owner was a 50-ish man with a beard -- he downed his dog but made no attempt to help. As dog people, I'm sure he'd like to know how our pup is doing. I'm writing with the hope he or someone who knows him will contact us.
Heidi Johnston, Santa Cruz
Letters to the Editor
Bad bite at dog beach'
Sunday afternoon our two pups visited the Westside "dog beach" near the lighthouse. While fetching her stick, our 3-year-old was badly bitten by a young reddish-colored golden retriever-type dog. It was very sudden and with blood everywhere my first priority was to get to the vet. The dog's owner was a 50-ish man with a beard -- he downed his dog but made no attempt to help. As dog people, I'm sure he'd like to know how our pup is doing. I'm writing with the hope he or someone who knows him will contact us.
Heidi Johnston, Santa Cruz
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Where does Santa Cruz County end?
By Michael A. Lewis
We all know where Santa Cruz County is. It’s all around us. Most of us live here.
The County starts somewhere north of Davenport, climbs the mountains to the northeast and wanders along Summit Drive. It crosses Highway 17 at The Summit, and skirts the edge of Loma Prieta. Fortunately, the County line is anchored in geography, not geology, so the 1989 earthquake didn’t knock it off track. The County makes a turn near Watsonville and heads back to the ocean in the main channel of the Pajaro River.
We don’t worry where the County is. We know when we are in it. There are signs on the roads that tell us when we’re leaving the County, and when we come back home.
But where is the Santa Cruz County boundary on the seaward side? At the cliffs looming over the beach? On the beach itself? The high tide line? The low tide line? Somewhere in between?
As it turns out, the boundaries of Santa Cruz County are carefully defined by the State of California, and enshrined in crisp black and white in California Government Code Section 23144.
We all know where Santa Cruz County is. It’s all around us. Most of us live here.
The County starts somewhere north of Davenport, climbs the mountains to the northeast and wanders along Summit Drive. It crosses Highway 17 at The Summit, and skirts the edge of Loma Prieta. Fortunately, the County line is anchored in geography, not geology, so the 1989 earthquake didn’t knock it off track. The County makes a turn near Watsonville and heads back to the ocean in the main channel of the Pajaro River.
We don’t worry where the County is. We know when we are in it. There are signs on the roads that tell us when we’re leaving the County, and when we come back home.
But where is the Santa Cruz County boundary on the seaward side? At the cliffs looming over the beach? On the beach itself? The high tide line? The low tide line? Somewhere in between?
As it turns out, the boundaries of Santa Cruz County are carefully defined by the State of California, and enshrined in crisp black and white in California Government Code Section 23144.
Dog Attacks Young Boy at Rio Del Mar State Beach
By Shanna McCord
Santa Cruz Sentinel
Posted: 05/22/2013 03:48:28 PM PDT
RIO DEL MAR -- A 5-year-old boy was attacked by a dog while visiting a Rio del Mar beach with his babysitter Tuesday, according to officials with the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. The attack happened about 12:30 p.m. near Rio del Mar State Beach.
The dog -- a male boxer-Australian shepherd mix who weighed at least 50 pounds and was not on a leash -- was euthanized soon after the attack, Melanie Sobel of the county Animal Shelter said.
According to Sobel, the dog ran up to the boy and grabbed him by the head. He was bitten on the head, neck and arm, she said.
The boy, an Aptos resident, was taken to the hospital with severe injuries.
His condition was unknown Wednesday.
The dog was being taken care of by a shelter volunteer who agreed to foster the canine until a rescue organization could be found for him, Sobel said.
He was due to be moved to a rescue organization in Humboldt County next week, she said.
Shelter officials believed the dog could have become adoptable if taken out of the shelter.
The dog was said to have been "blossoming" in the foster home and reportedly got along well with the volunteer's teen children, Sobel said.
The volunteer violated the foster agreement by allowing the dog to run on the beach without a leash.
She will not be allowed to foster dogs in the future, Sobel said.
Leashes are required at nearly every beach in Santa Cruz County, including Rio del Mar.
"Dogs must be on a leash when they're off your property," Sobel said. "We advocate for dog owners to comply with leash laws."
Santa Cruz Sentinel
Posted: 05/22/2013 03:48:28 PM PDT
RIO DEL MAR -- A 5-year-old boy was attacked by a dog while visiting a Rio del Mar beach with his babysitter Tuesday, according to officials with the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. The attack happened about 12:30 p.m. near Rio del Mar State Beach.
The dog -- a male boxer-Australian shepherd mix who weighed at least 50 pounds and was not on a leash -- was euthanized soon after the attack, Melanie Sobel of the county Animal Shelter said.
According to Sobel, the dog ran up to the boy and grabbed him by the head. He was bitten on the head, neck and arm, she said.
The boy, an Aptos resident, was taken to the hospital with severe injuries.
His condition was unknown Wednesday.
The dog was being taken care of by a shelter volunteer who agreed to foster the canine until a rescue organization could be found for him, Sobel said.
He was due to be moved to a rescue organization in Humboldt County next week, she said.
Shelter officials believed the dog could have become adoptable if taken out of the shelter.
The dog was said to have been "blossoming" in the foster home and reportedly got along well with the volunteer's teen children, Sobel said.
The volunteer violated the foster agreement by allowing the dog to run on the beach without a leash.
She will not be allowed to foster dogs in the future, Sobel said.
Leashes are required at nearly every beach in Santa Cruz County, including Rio del Mar.
"Dogs must be on a leash when they're off your property," Sobel said. "We advocate for dog owners to comply with leash laws."
Patrols tightened for off-leash dogs in
Santa Cruz County
By Stephen Baxter - Santa Cruz Sentinel
POSTED: 01/24/12, 12:01 AM PST
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/zz/20120124/NEWS/120127631
LIVE OAK — Fido's cute, but he needs a leash. He also needs a license and someone to clean up after him.
In the next few months, those messages will be brought to you by Santa Cruz County Animal Services officers as they ramp up patrols at unincorporated county beaches or parks.
Although there have been problems for years, dozens of residents complained to Animal Services in the past few months about illegal off-leash dogs at beaches such as 20th Avenue in Live Oak and parks such as Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel, according to Todd Stosuy, field services manager for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.
Sometimes the owners have not picked up the dogs' waste. Other times the dogs have torn up grass in wet parks after rain, said Stosuy.
In other cases, off-leash dogs have attacked other animals.
Stosuy said the law that dogs must be on leash unless in an off-leash zone has not changed. Now, officers will enforce it more strictly and will give warnings in the next four months and check for required dog licenses.
After that, officers plan to write tickets with fines of $100 or more.
“Since we haven't done patrols at these locations in the past, we want to make them educational. We don't want to hammer people with tickets. We want to be fair, but we want to ensure that rules are being followed,” Stosuy said.
The new patrols do not affect state-run beaches such as Its Beach or city facilities.
Stosuy said county dog patrols had been “spotty” in the past eight or so years, but he hopes the addition of another officer will help meet the workload.
County officials said the aim is safety for humans, other dogs and wildlife such as birds, sea lions, deer and possum that have been harassed at beaches and parks.
In April 2010, Liz Levy was walking her Chihuahua on Hilltop Road in Soquel when another dog attacked and killed it.
“It was a really traumatic experience. It's really a safety issue,” Levy said of the leash law. “When there's a lot of people in close proximity, it's a civility issue.”
She added, “I understand about letting your dog run free, but when it's in a smaller park it seems to me that everyone should be obeying the same rules.”
Tuesday, Animal Services officers on the new patrols stopped at Brommer Street Park to talk to two dog owners whose dogs were not on a leash.
The owners scrambled to clip leashes to the four dogs between them and were warned by the officers. The officers also checked their dog licenses.
Ken Venezia's two cocker spaniels, Radhe and Gaura-Chandra were licensed but he likes to let them off-leash to do their business.
“We always clean up after our dogs and sometimes even pay it forward” by cleaning up others' waste, Venezia said.
Nancy Crowley of Santa Cruz was in the park with her Australian shepherd, Greysie, and her golden doodle, Leo. She said she knew about the law — but also knew it was hardly enforced.
“I was born in the 40s and I've had dogs all my life. It's just wrong to have dogs on the end of a string,” Crowley said. “They need to run.”
Stosuy said dog owners can buy dog licenses for $28 at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 2200 Seventh Ave. in Santa Cruz and at 580 Airport Blvd. in Watsonville. Owners must show proof of a rabies vaccine and the dogs must be spayed or neutered.
For dogs that are not spayed or neutered, an unaltered animal certificate is $170.
For information, call 454-7303 or log on to www.scanimalshelter.org.
AT A GLANCE
DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH
POSTED: 01/24/12, 12:01 AM PST
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/zz/20120124/NEWS/120127631
LIVE OAK — Fido's cute, but he needs a leash. He also needs a license and someone to clean up after him.
In the next few months, those messages will be brought to you by Santa Cruz County Animal Services officers as they ramp up patrols at unincorporated county beaches or parks.
Although there have been problems for years, dozens of residents complained to Animal Services in the past few months about illegal off-leash dogs at beaches such as 20th Avenue in Live Oak and parks such as Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel, according to Todd Stosuy, field services manager for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.
Sometimes the owners have not picked up the dogs' waste. Other times the dogs have torn up grass in wet parks after rain, said Stosuy.
In other cases, off-leash dogs have attacked other animals.
Stosuy said the law that dogs must be on leash unless in an off-leash zone has not changed. Now, officers will enforce it more strictly and will give warnings in the next four months and check for required dog licenses.
After that, officers plan to write tickets with fines of $100 or more.
“Since we haven't done patrols at these locations in the past, we want to make them educational. We don't want to hammer people with tickets. We want to be fair, but we want to ensure that rules are being followed,” Stosuy said.
The new patrols do not affect state-run beaches such as Its Beach or city facilities.
Stosuy said county dog patrols had been “spotty” in the past eight or so years, but he hopes the addition of another officer will help meet the workload.
County officials said the aim is safety for humans, other dogs and wildlife such as birds, sea lions, deer and possum that have been harassed at beaches and parks.
In April 2010, Liz Levy was walking her Chihuahua on Hilltop Road in Soquel when another dog attacked and killed it.
“It was a really traumatic experience. It's really a safety issue,” Levy said of the leash law. “When there's a lot of people in close proximity, it's a civility issue.”
She added, “I understand about letting your dog run free, but when it's in a smaller park it seems to me that everyone should be obeying the same rules.”
Tuesday, Animal Services officers on the new patrols stopped at Brommer Street Park to talk to two dog owners whose dogs were not on a leash.
The owners scrambled to clip leashes to the four dogs between them and were warned by the officers. The officers also checked their dog licenses.
Ken Venezia's two cocker spaniels, Radhe and Gaura-Chandra were licensed but he likes to let them off-leash to do their business.
“We always clean up after our dogs and sometimes even pay it forward” by cleaning up others' waste, Venezia said.
Nancy Crowley of Santa Cruz was in the park with her Australian shepherd, Greysie, and her golden doodle, Leo. She said she knew about the law — but also knew it was hardly enforced.
“I was born in the 40s and I've had dogs all my life. It's just wrong to have dogs on the end of a string,” Crowley said. “They need to run.”
Stosuy said dog owners can buy dog licenses for $28 at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 2200 Seventh Ave. in Santa Cruz and at 580 Airport Blvd. in Watsonville. Owners must show proof of a rabies vaccine and the dogs must be spayed or neutered.
For dogs that are not spayed or neutered, an unaltered animal certificate is $170.
For information, call 454-7303 or log on to www.scanimalshelter.org.
AT A GLANCE
DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH
- Brommer Street Park, Live Oak
- Jose Avenue Park, Live Oak
- Anna Jean Cummings Park, Soquel
- Highlands Park, Ben Lomond
- Aptos Polo Grounds
- Seascape Park, Aptos
- Live Oak beaches
- Scotts Valley dog park
- Mitchell's Cove, Santa Cruz
- Frederick Street Park, Santa Cruz
- Grant Street Park
- Pacheco Avenue and Prospect Heights
- Ocean View Park
- University Terrace Park
- Having a dog off-leash in an unauthorized area: $50-$100
- Failure to spay or neuter: $340
- Not having a dog license: $100
- Not picking up dog waste: About $100
- Dog owners can buy dog licenses for $28 at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter at 2200 Seventh Ave. in Santa Cruz and at 580 Airport Blvd. in Watsonville. Owners must show proof of a rabies vaccine and the dogs must be spayed or neutered.
- For dogs that are not spayed or neutered, an unaltered animal certificate is $170.
- For information, call 454-7303 or log on to www.scanimalshelter.org.
Last Updated: October 4, 2017