OFF-LEASH DOG REPORTS
2013-2018
Our beaches have become playgrounds and toilets for unleashed dogs turning a treasure for all into an exclusive domain for a few.
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is regulated by the National Marine Sanctuary Act
http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/about/legislation/welcome.html
§922.132 Prohibited activities: "...to do any" ... "act that results in the disturbance or molestation of any marine mammal, sea turtle or seabird."
http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/about/legislation/welcome.html
§922.132 Prohibited activities: "...to do any" ... "act that results in the disturbance or molestation of any marine mammal, sea turtle or seabird."
Copyright © 2019 LLASCC. All rights reserved.
September 29, 2018
Once more the Santa Cruz Sentinel glorifies and concurrently encourages illegal off-leash activity at Lighthouse Field State Beach, which locals call Its Beach. The Sentinel's message goes out to residents and tourists alike that this behavior is okay. This is fall migratory season and shorebirds have little chance to rest and feed at this shoreline. Shame on the Sentinel. Even the caption is wrong... count the dogs.
"Five dogs run as a pack into the surf at Its Beach on Friday afternoon." (Dan Coyro — Santa Cruz Sentinel)
May 6, 2018
Ten o'clock in the morning with ten unleashed dogs in this view, a partial count.
January 20, 2018
When a surfer goes into the ocean and leaves unleashed dogs behind, wildlife is at risk. Note the sea lion pup in the foreground. Most surfers care about the ocean. We wish they all cared about wildlife of the ocean. The ocean does not end at the tideline.
November 5, 2017
At low tide, when tide pool species are most vulnerable, dog owners think it is okay to walk all over the exposed seabed and encourage their dogs to chase balls. This unlawful behavior was photographed between 32nd Ave and 34th Ave. at 3:20 pm - 3:45 pm today. Shame on him.
Below are examples of the kinds of life forms the dog and its owner are crushing without realizing it.
August 21, 2017
I don't go on the beach at sunset, but am on the cliff at either 24th or 25th. Even though I can't see the length of the beach, there are always one to three off leash dogs within my view, 200 feet of beach. I'd guess that at sunset more than 80% of the dogs are off leash.
During the day people are going to the beach down 26th Avenue with their dogs off-leash on the street. This week, during my recent two trips through Moran Park, I had my moments with off-leash dogs twice. One woman's dog ran at me causing me to stop my bike to prevent me crashing. The dog actually touched me. The owner apologized. I asked her if she had a leash for the dog. She replied that she had. When I looked back a couple of minutes later the dog was still off leash.
During the day people are going to the beach down 26th Avenue with their dogs off-leash on the street. This week, during my recent two trips through Moran Park, I had my moments with off-leash dogs twice. One woman's dog ran at me causing me to stop my bike to prevent me crashing. The dog actually touched me. The owner apologized. I asked her if she had a leash for the dog. She replied that she had. When I looked back a couple of minutes later the dog was still off leash.
April 29, 2017
As the weather improves this year, the off-leash dog owners come out of the woodwork. We tire of reporting the daily violations of the County leash law, having done so for years. Still, its probably time to renew such reporting, even though a perusal of this page back in time shows what is happening now.
Today, between Moran Lake and Sunny Cove there were six dogs off-leash including a dog that continuously harassed the shorebirds trying to feed along the shoreline. The dog's owner was at least 50 to 100 yards away.
Today, between Moran Lake and Sunny Cove there were six dogs off-leash including a dog that continuously harassed the shorebirds trying to feed along the shoreline. The dog's owner was at least 50 to 100 yards away.
January 31, 2017
Beautiful morning, good surf and birds on the beach.
I was there to photograph birds. There was another photographer on the beach in the front of the apartments taking pictures of egrets and shorebirds. A woman with two dogs entered the beach about 10 am and unleashed her dogs. One of her dogs ran over to within 2-1/2 feet of the photographer and began barking at him, scaring all the birds off that part of the beach. The photographer gave up and departed the beach.
Flushed by the unleashed dogs, two egrets flew over on the east side of the outflow trying to avoid the dogs. The small birds disappeared and did not return.
Five minutes later a man with three dogs (2 leashed, 1 off-leash) entered the east side of the beach. The woman's dogs promptly crossed the outflow and interfered with the other person's dogs. Eventually her dogs returned to her and she left the beach with them.
I was there to photograph birds. There was another photographer on the beach in the front of the apartments taking pictures of egrets and shorebirds. A woman with two dogs entered the beach about 10 am and unleashed her dogs. One of her dogs ran over to within 2-1/2 feet of the photographer and began barking at him, scaring all the birds off that part of the beach. The photographer gave up and departed the beach.
Flushed by the unleashed dogs, two egrets flew over on the east side of the outflow trying to avoid the dogs. The small birds disappeared and did not return.
Five minutes later a man with three dogs (2 leashed, 1 off-leash) entered the east side of the beach. The woman's dogs promptly crossed the outflow and interfered with the other person's dogs. Eventually her dogs returned to her and she left the beach with them.
October 8, 2016
Nine unleashed dogs this morning. Most appeared to be vacation visitors. One woman with a German shepherd (off-leash) had to grab on to her dog as it headed toward a group of little kids. One of the adults told the kid to throw mud at it, if it came any closer.
August 25, 2016
There were very few people, almost all with dogs off-leash (at least six) and only one on leash -- which happened when one of the regulars spotted me. Looks like the dogs have run everyone off the beach. I did talk to another regular morning walker on East Cliff Dr. and asked why I don't see her walking on the beach anymore. "It's those @#$@ dogs running loose all the time" was the reply.
"Yup -- that is correct. There are at least 8 people who live in our neighborhood and no longer walk on Corcoran Lagoon Beach because of the dogs off leash."
"Yup -- that is correct. There are at least 8 people who live in our neighborhood and no longer walk on Corcoran Lagoon Beach because of the dogs off leash."
August 13, 2016
There were nine off-leash dogs this morning, with one little dog being carried due to the off-leash dogs. As I was walking along E. Cliff Dr. on my return, a woman stopped and asked about my "walking stick," as I obviously walk carrying it instead of using it. When I explained to her that I needed it when I'm walking along the beach to fend off the over curious off-leash dogs, she said that's a great idea. She told me she does not walk on the beach anymore due to the off-leash dogs that harass strangers. Imagine not being able to walk on a county beach as a result of off-leash dogs.
August 9, 2016
Pretty much the same pattern for the past week or so. Today was typical with eight dogs off-leash. No enforcement has been seen in weeks. Dogs chasing shorebirds.
July 24, 2016
Wharf to Wharf Race Day
Interesting morning with a low tide, which usually brings out the dog walkers. There were only five people on the beach between Moran Lake and Sunny Cove at 9:00 am. One, of course, had two off-leash dogs that were so far away from him he couldn't hear me yell when his dog did a drop. We should have the Wharf to Wharf race more often. With the relative absence of dogs there was a mixed flock of thirty to forty birds feeding along the shoreline.
July 4, 2016
Eleven off-leash and four on-leash. All the dogs over by Sunny Cove were on leash as there was a sheriff's deputy down on the beach.
June 23, 2016
Seven dogs off-leash. Two dogs approached closer than I like and I had to yell to get the owners to call them back. Hard to have a peaceful walk at the shoreline having to be so wary of these off-leash dogs.
Today most dog owners appeared to be visitors to Santa Cruz who do not bother to read the signs that require dogs to be leashed. Time to ask that vacation rental property owners inform their guests that their dogs may not be unleashed for walks on the beach!
Today most dog owners appeared to be visitors to Santa Cruz who do not bother to read the signs that require dogs to be leashed. Time to ask that vacation rental property owners inform their guests that their dogs may not be unleashed for walks on the beach!
June 18, 2016
This is what the beach looks like before the unleashed dogs arrive every morning. This photo was taken at 6:54 am, when there were a fair number of people out strolling, some with dogs on leash. All that changed just after 7:00 am when the usual off-leashers took to the beach.
Santa Cruz County's General Plan (GP) specifies protection for shorebird nesting sites. Section 5.3.2 of the GP's Local Coastal Program (Protecting Shorebird Nesting Sites) states clearly: "Discourage all activities within 100 feet of shorebird nesting sites during nesting season (March-July). Prohibit dogs from beaches having nesting sites."
LLASCC received the following report, which demonstrates why it is time for the County to get serious about implementing its General Plan:
"On June 10, 2016 four one day old Killdeer chicks were on the edge of the lagoon outflow on the beach. A woman with two unleashed dogs walked through the lagoon at the eastern edge of the beach. I walked over to her and asked her if she had leashes for her dogs because there were baby birds on the edge of the water that couldn't fly and I didn't want them trampled. Before I got to her, both of her dogs ran at me and jumped at me, hitting both of my arms simultaneously. One was a pit bull breed and one was a German Shepherd. The woman apologized and took her dogs back out to the beach. The dogs were still unleashed."
LLASCC received the following report, which demonstrates why it is time for the County to get serious about implementing its General Plan:
"On June 10, 2016 four one day old Killdeer chicks were on the edge of the lagoon outflow on the beach. A woman with two unleashed dogs walked through the lagoon at the eastern edge of the beach. I walked over to her and asked her if she had leashes for her dogs because there were baby birds on the edge of the water that couldn't fly and I didn't want them trampled. Before I got to her, both of her dogs ran at me and jumped at me, hitting both of my arms simultaneously. One was a pit bull breed and one was a German Shepherd. The woman apologized and took her dogs back out to the beach. The dogs were still unleashed."
May 28, 2016
At noon, between Moran Lake and the 20th access there were nine off-leash dogs. with all dog owners either not seeing the signs or ignoring them. At Sunny Cove Beach a daily off-leash dog owner had her two dogs unleashed there, one of which went after another off-leash dog. She was able to call it off and said her dog was harmless ... and then had a few words with her dog, as though that would help.
May 21, 2016
9:40 am thru 10:00 am
Moran Lake is home to several species of water birds. These pictures were taken at the south end of the lake, close to but hidden from E. Cliff Drive. These illegally unleashed dogs cleared all the wildlife from the area.
Moran Lake is home to several species of water birds. These pictures were taken at the south end of the lake, close to but hidden from E. Cliff Drive. These illegally unleashed dogs cleared all the wildlife from the area.
May 18, 2016
Really foggy morning along the shoreline. Dogs must dislike the fog as there were only two dogs, one on-leash, one off-leash. One of my neighbors could actually jog on the beach instead of along the road. Usually there are too many off-leash dogs and they'll chase her.
May 14, 2016
Amongst the 19 unleashed dogs encountered on a walk from Moran Park to Corcoran Lagoon Beach, this one pictured belonged to a surfer, who let the dog run free while he surfed.
May 12, 2016
This morning there were more dogs than people today, primarily because one man had his four dogs off-leash. There were eleven dogs off-leash and only one on-leash. What is it lately with the number eleven?!
May 11, 2016
These pictures were taken at low tide on beaches between 32nd and 41st, with a total of eleven dogs off-leash. Notice how the unleashed dogs are free to crush tide pool invertebrates. The four dogs with the woman were behind her most of the time and she had no idea what they were doing.
May 10, 2016
Another morning with eleven unleashed dogs.
May 8, 2016
Between Moran Lake and Sunny Cove, there were at least eleven dogs off-leash.
April 30, 2016
Eight dogs off-leash this morning. One woman's golden retriever chased a few of the Whimbrels trying to feed at the shoreline. I turned around to wait for her to catch up, but she could tell that I wasn't happy and leashed the dog and herded it off in the other direction. Shows people know the rules but just could not care less.
April 26, 2016
Few birds able to feed along the shoreline this morning. Seven dogs running off-leash, owners with ball throwers of course.
April 17, 2016
Birds feeding at the shoreline (9:14 am). Then the dogs came. The birds got chased off and retreated to the outflow to the outflow. Then the birds were chased out of the outflow by a guy throwing a stick into the outflow for his unleashed dog. The couple with the five unleashed dogs made four passes (two in each direction) allowing their dogs to chase birds. The white dogs are at the beach regularly, allowed off-leash by their owner.
April 15, 2016
9:30 am Animal Ccontrol must have made some extra stops recently at Corcoran. There were five dogs on-leash and only two off-leash. At least one of the on-leashers today was a normal off-leasher. I don't recall any time in recent history that I saw as many dogs on-leash as compared with off-leash.
April 5, 2016
Pictures taken at 5:52 pm. With ten unleashed dogs, shorebirds had a very stressful and unsuccessful time feeding. The dog owner with the ball tosser would hurl the ball along the shoreline, causing birds to take off, fly along the beach, land again, attempt to feed and be disturbed again. Migratory birds, needing to feed to continue their long journeys, do the best they can, grab a bite then fly, dissipating all the energy they just consumed and having to start over again. What's wrong with this picture?!
March 30, 2016
Newly installed signage to remind dog owners to keep their dogs leashed.
March 17, 2016
Apparently celebrating a holiday, dog owners took to the beach with unleashed dogs. Again. There were 10 dogs off-leash dogs at Corcoran Lagoon Beach at 10 am. Ten at ten.
February 28, 2016
This morning in addition to a woman who violates the leash law just about every day at the beach, allowing her dogs off-leash, there were two other women with unleashed dogs. One woman watched as her golden retriever chased off the birds that had been feeding at the shoreline. Her dog ran into the water in pursuit of the birds.
February 27, 2016
About 4:30 p.m. there were several Egrets, two large shorebirds (Whimbrels or Godwits), and two Surf scoters feeding in the shallow water and the shore break at the base of 23rd. The waves have been blocking the route from 23rd to 26th and something must be available for the birds to eat right there at the rocks. A couple with two unleashed dogs began throwing balls to their dogs. This scared off the birds. Another woman with an unleashed brindle-colored large boxer began throwing the dog's orange ball for her dog -- right where the birds had been. A courteous reminder that this is not a "dog beach," was met with disdain.
February 15, 2016
Ten unleashed dogs that appeared to belong to family groups from out-of-town. (There is no longer any signage about Pets Must Be On Leash at the entrance to CLB (due to January storm damage).
December 22, 2015
At 2:40 this unleashed dog chased birds that were feeding on the tide pools. This is a common occurrence between 32nd and 34th Avenue beaches. Besides disrupting birds trying to feed or rest, unleashed dogs break into the tide pool pockets, harming marine organisms.
December 20, 2015
This morning, a couple came on to the beach and unleashed their dog. The dog chased birds for three or four minutes. They called their dog several times, but it did not respond until all the birds had flown away. There were at least three species, small sanderlings, Whimbrels or Willets and a Marbled godwit -- all scattered by the dog.
December 14, 2015
A couple came along the beach near the outflow throwing sticks for their unleashed dog. The birds took off. In response to telling him what he did, he said that he didn't see any sign prohibiting off leash dogs. I told him that the entrance that he had come in on had a sign. His girlfriend said "We only saw the sign that read 'Pick up after your pets' and our dog didn't chase birds." I told her that I knew her dog didn't chase the birds - it was her boyfriend throwing sticks around for the unleashed dog that disturbed the birds.
Five minutes later another couple's retriever chased the birds that another photographer was trying to photograph. Twice. When the dog finally responded to the couple's call, they said "Good boy."
Five minutes later another couple's retriever chased the birds that another photographer was trying to photograph. Twice. When the dog finally responded to the couple's call, they said "Good boy."
December 12, 2015
There were two groups of birds on the lagoon outflow through the beach. One was near the apartments and one up near the the killdeer nesting area. At 11:07 am the man in the picture tried to get his dog to go after the birds. The dog was not interested. Three minutes later, the man resorted to throwing sticks towards the birds. One throw at each group of birds.
December 11, 2015
Marbeled godwits feeding at the shoreline of Corcoran Lagoon Beach. Six minutes later they were disturbed by the presence of an unleashed dog and left their diner.
December 8, 2015
The trail through Moran County Park seems to be the new off-leash haven for dog owners. This morning there six unleashed dogs. An elderly couple walking northward with a large off-leash dog encountered a young man going south with an off-leash black lab. The black lab attacked the couple's dog, eventually responding to the owner's call. Startled, as the elderly couple passed me one said "So much for a peaceful walk."
December 7, 2015
At 9:30 am there were seven unleashed dogs on the trail through Moran Lake County Park. Three of them belonged to one dog owner. Not a leashed dog to be seen.
Shorebirds feeding and resting along the lagoon outflow at Corcoran Lagoon Beach were flushed by an unleashed dog, which raced into the water. The dog's owner said "Sorry about that." Only the egrets returned...eventually.
Further unleashed dog activity today...
In the beach area to the west of the lagoon, a dog owner threw a ball for her unleashed dog right at the birds, making them fly. Then she crossed over to the east side of the lagoon, where she deliberately threw her ball two more times at the birds. Another dog owner, with two dogs, entered the beach from the east access from E. Cliff Dr. She unleashed both of her dogs. A fourth dog owner, with her two unleashed dogs, came onto the beach.
In the beach area to the west of the lagoon, a dog owner threw a ball for her unleashed dog right at the birds, making them fly. Then she crossed over to the east side of the lagoon, where she deliberately threw her ball two more times at the birds. Another dog owner, with two dogs, entered the beach from the east access from E. Cliff Dr. She unleashed both of her dogs. A fourth dog owner, with her two unleashed dogs, came onto the beach.
December 5, 2015
When AS officers are at Corcoran Lagoon Beach, shorebirds have greater security from harm since dog owners will not break the law with an enforcement officer in view! Our sincere thanks to Animal Services for meeting one of the goals of the County leash law -- protection of the environment, as well as protection of dogs and people.
December 2, 2015
9:00 am - noon
Three regular dog owners with five unleashed dogs. One chased two Egrets off the beach. One of the dog owners left a gift for the Poop Fairy. Five other dog owners walked by the bag. When all dogs were gone from the beach the bag was still sitting there. The Poop Fairy never showed up.
Three regular dog owners with five unleashed dogs. One chased two Egrets off the beach. One of the dog owners left a gift for the Poop Fairy. Five other dog owners walked by the bag. When all dogs were gone from the beach the bag was still sitting there. The Poop Fairy never showed up.
Between 11.00 am and noon, no dogs in that area, more than twenty-five people with no dogs, including about twenty visitors staying at the retreat, a beach comber, a fisherman and a vacationing couple from overseas with two very young boys (under four) who were allowed to run around because there were no dogs. The mother told me that yesterday they gave up on sand castles because every where they dug there was dog poop, she added that the seaweed has lots of poop on it also. Later these vacationers were happy to see a dog owner, whose dog had been unleashed getting a ticket from an Animal Control officer.
I returned to the beach at sunset. The guy fishing said it was nice not having dogs grab his bait.
I returned to the beach at sunset. The guy fishing said it was nice not having dogs grab his bait.
December 1, 2015
About 11:00 am a woman with a child and large white dog came out onto Corcoran Beach near the lagoon outflow. She sat on the large log near the Killdeer nesting area with the dog leashed, while the Animal Services truck was there. As soon as the truck drove off, she unleashed the dog and it promptly chased all of the American Coots out of the outflow.
November 30, 2015
At 9:00 am I was taking pictures of Egrets, when all of a sudden they took flight, the result of being chased by these two small unleashed dogs. Next the dogs ran over and began barking at me. Next, still unleashed, the dogs went over and began barking at a couple that was laying on the sand. The couple got up and left the beach. As the dog owner walked past me to retrieve her dogs, she said to me "They've never done that before." The whole thing was witnessed by three others.
These dogs are off-leash other places besides the beach. The following picture was taken April 19, 2015 at the Shoreline Middle School playing field, where there are two signs that say No Dogs Allowed on Field (whether they are leashed or not). The dogs were observed at the school playing field again on November 29, where the fastest unleashed dog chased birds (Seagulls and Killdeer). Owner and dogs proceeded to the Twin Lakes State Park (posted Dogs Must Be ON Leash), where the dogs were unleashed once more.
November 28, 2015
There were forty birds in the lagoon outflow, until two unleashed dogs entered the water, causing the birds to fly away to seek refuge across E. Cliff Drive. Another dog owner was seen scraping sand over his dog's excrement. Another incident occurred when a woman with a leashed well-behaved pit bull breed dog entered the beach. When the woman was 150 feet from the shore another unleashed dog ran toward the pit bull. Both dogs danced around the woman entangling her in the extended long leash. This happened nine times. The owners of the unleashed dogs were calling their dog the entire time, but the dog wouldn't respond. After the sixth time the pit bull looked at the owner and waited for the other dog to charge for the seventh, eighth and ninth times, finally snarling, that he'd had enough during those last three charges. The owners retrieved their dog after the ninth charge. So much for the pit bull's owner's nice walk on the beach.
I went over to 12th Avenue (State Beach), just in time to see a man walking with his unleashed dog 80 feet behind him defecating on the beach. The owner was unaware of what was happening behind him and of course did not pick it up.
At sunset I checked the the 32nd to 36th Avenue Beach. That was a shocker. It was low tide and birds were trying to land to feed. Three Egrets and a dozen or so Sanderlings were chased for twenty minutes by four dogs. The birds would land at 32nd and get chased off by the dogs. The birds would then try to land at 36th, to be again chased by the dogs. This was repeated many times. So much for the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary.
I went over to 12th Avenue (State Beach), just in time to see a man walking with his unleashed dog 80 feet behind him defecating on the beach. The owner was unaware of what was happening behind him and of course did not pick it up.
At sunset I checked the the 32nd to 36th Avenue Beach. That was a shocker. It was low tide and birds were trying to land to feed. Three Egrets and a dozen or so Sanderlings were chased for twenty minutes by four dogs. The birds would land at 32nd and get chased off by the dogs. The birds would then try to land at 36th, to be again chased by the dogs. This was repeated many times. So much for the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary.
November 26, 2015
A steady stream of dog owners allowing their dogs off-leash today. Beginning at 6:30 am, there were never fewer than 6 off-leash dogs. Many squatting to defecate, of course. At 1:30 pm two dogs chased three egrets that were in the middle of the beach headed for the surf line and lagoon outflow to feed.
Not much of a Thanksgiving for shorebirds at Corcoran Lagoon Beach. Instead, it is apparently a vacation holiday to use the beach of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary as a toilet for canines.
Not much of a Thanksgiving for shorebirds at Corcoran Lagoon Beach. Instead, it is apparently a vacation holiday to use the beach of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary as a toilet for canines.
November 22, 2015
These Sanderlings (Calidris alba) were feeding on the exposed shoreline at the foot of the the 32nd Avenue stairs. Also in the area were two Great egrets and two Pelicans.
A man and his unleashed dog cleared all the birds out of the area.
A man and his unleashed dog cleared all the birds out of the area.
November 17, 2015
Sometimes we get to report good news. Today is such a day.
It was a bright sunny day with only one person visible on the beach between 26th Ave and Sunny Cove. There were no dogs on the beach either on-leash or off-leash. An Animal Services vehicle parked at the entrance to Corcoran Lagoon Beach between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. A comment to one of the officers that they had cleared off the beach, elicited this reply "We saw them running for the stairs when we pulled up."
The good news? When Animal Services (AS) officers patrol with the intention of citing those who violate the County leash law, they make a difference! We thank AS and these officers for their efforts.
It was a bright sunny day with only one person visible on the beach between 26th Ave and Sunny Cove. There were no dogs on the beach either on-leash or off-leash. An Animal Services vehicle parked at the entrance to Corcoran Lagoon Beach between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. A comment to one of the officers that they had cleared off the beach, elicited this reply "We saw them running for the stairs when we pulled up."
The good news? When Animal Services (AS) officers patrol with the intention of citing those who violate the County leash law, they make a difference! We thank AS and these officers for their efforts.
November 6, 2015
At 9:30 am there were six dog off-leash (two local repeat leash law violators). A reduced number of birds feeding along the shoreline.
October 21, 2015
At 10:30 am there were at least 15 to 20 off-leash dogs between the 20th and 26th access points with only two dogs on leash.
October 16, 2015
At Corcoran Lagoon Beach there were seven dogs off-leash. There were three dogs off-leash at Sunny Cove Beach.
October 10, 2015
7:30 a.m. at least 6 dogs off-leash on western Corcoran Lagoon Beach (CLB). Then at noon the number raised to at least 12 unleashed dogs up and down the shoreline of CLB.
October 9, 2015
Between 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm, I counted 15 unleashed dogs (there may have been some I didn’t see as my back was turned while while I was in the water). Three people had two dogs with them. Most of the people appeared to be walking along the shoreline from 20th to 26th or the other way around. A couple of people stayed in place throwing balls for their dogs. Sea gulls and two long billed/long legged type birds tried to feed in the backwash area but were chased by a dog.
The dog owners seem completely at ease as though breaking the leash law is not wrong. Without regular AS patrols, a few of the locals are coming back. The rest of the people seem to be visitors or new residents.
The dog owners seem completely at ease as though breaking the leash law is not wrong. Without regular AS patrols, a few of the locals are coming back. The rest of the people seem to be visitors or new residents.
September 4, 2015
9:30 am In the absence of enforcement officers, all the regular off-leash dog walkers come out to violate the leash law. Between Sunny Cove and 26th Avenue there were more than eleven unleashed dogs (compared to two on-leash with responsible dog owners).
Late August/Early September 2015
About 2:00 pm at Moran Lake Beach, toward the left side rocks. We were sitting on chairs when a father with baby in a stroller came around the rocks near the shoreline. He had a tiny, white fluffy dog on leash as he walked toward us. About 15 feet away from the father, there were two men with a pit bull breed who were sitting on a blanket. We formed the point of a triangle in the picture. Their pit had a leash but neither of the men was holding it.
All of a sudden, their dog raced to the stroller and grabbed the tiny dog, tossing it in a circle in the air. The two men ran toward it and got it just as it headed into the buggy, grabbing at the blanket. It was horrifying to watch.
All of a sudden, their dog raced to the stroller and grabbed the tiny dog, tossing it in a circle in the air. The two men ran toward it and got it just as it headed into the buggy, grabbing at the blanket. It was horrifying to watch.
August 26, 2015
Lots of people and LOTS of unleashed dogs. I counted twelve off-leash dogs and only saw one on leash which was promptly unleashed after passing me. Two of the off-leash dogs belonged to a regular violator of the leash law and most of the others were with small groups of people walking the shore line. One of these groups had a bird dog that kept racing up and down the beach chasing gulls.
August 14, 2015
3:45-5:00 p.m. Ten off-leash dogs initially. Around 4:30 there were only 2 off-leash. I don’t know if an enforcement officer had appeared, but the number of off leash dogs diminished to one at 23rd and I could see one at 20th and two toward Moran.
August 2, 2015
Here's proof that pro-active patrols by enforcement officers work to result in leash law compliance by dog owners. At 9:55 an enforcement officer was parked at the access to Corcornal Lagoon Beach. The officer, in his vehicle, was on the phone, but still having an effect.
A couple with two medium sized dogs were running all over the main part of the beach in sight of the Animal Services vehicle -- with their dogs leashed. Almost like they were putting on a show for the officer. A third person, on her way to the beach with her dog, stopped when she saw the officer and made a phone call. She did not continue to the beach.
Near the 12th Ave beach a guy leashed up his unleashed dog when the Park ranger drove onto the beach.
On my return walk there were two unleashed dogs on the beach at 14th. Both were leashed as soon as another officer came driving onto the beach.
Why don't these dog owners just do the right thing and enjoy a good run with their dogs leashed all the time, rather than putting on a show for enforcement officers?
A couple with two medium sized dogs were running all over the main part of the beach in sight of the Animal Services vehicle -- with their dogs leashed. Almost like they were putting on a show for the officer. A third person, on her way to the beach with her dog, stopped when she saw the officer and made a phone call. She did not continue to the beach.
Near the 12th Ave beach a guy leashed up his unleashed dog when the Park ranger drove onto the beach.
On my return walk there were two unleashed dogs on the beach at 14th. Both were leashed as soon as another officer came driving onto the beach.
Why don't these dog owners just do the right thing and enjoy a good run with their dogs leashed all the time, rather than putting on a show for enforcement officers?
July 24, 2015
This morning (10:00 am) there were so many people and so many dogs between Corcoran Lagoon and Moran Lake that it was hard to count. There were more than a dozen off-leash dogs.
July 23, 2015
This morning I passed two groups of people with dogs off-leash, between Moran Lake and Sunny Cove -- a total of seven dogs off-leash and only one on-leash. One of the unleashed dogs jumped up on us. Some of these dogs seem to be hearing-impaired as the owner was yelling at the top of her lungs to no avail. Nothing like a wet dog jumping on you to make the day.
July 22, 2015
A group of off-leashers were at the 20 Avenue access this morning. Six people and six dogs off-leash running around in a pack. Had to walk right down to the water to get by them.
July 19, 2015
Big graffiti on the log that blocks the entrance at 23rd. Looks like gang graffiti. I've called the Graffiti Hotline.
Meanwhile, there were 4 off-leash dogs on the beach from 23rd to Moran. When I left the beach at around 5:30 p.m., I saw a woman come from the path alongside the westside of the lagoon outflow. She had a very large pit bull mix dog. She unleashed the dog at the sign that says dogs must be on leash.
July 18, 2015
Over the past two weeks, I have spoken to visitors from Stockton, Sacramento, Modesto, Salinas, Fresno and Iowa.
Two weeks ago a person staying at the Villa Maria Del Mar retreat center approached me. She asked me if anyone enforced the laws around here. We both walked over and read the sign at the County entrance to Corcoran Lagoon Beach. There are nine ordinances listed. The first seven are prefixed with a red circle with a diagonal line through it - things you shouldn't do. The eighth and ninth ordinances were things that you should do - dogs must be on leash and owners must pick up after their dogs (no red circle). We then looked at people entering the beach and already on the beach. Eight of the ordinances were being violated (we couldn't see a dog owner not picking up after the dog).
Earlier this week a couple arrived at the same County entrance, loaded with beach gear. The man was sweating profusely and the woman was crying. They told me that they had driven a long way, had a problem finding a place to park, had arrived at the beach with the intention of having a fire and had just read the sign indicating that no fires are allowed (red circled). They were standing there with three off-leash dogs. They didn't mention the part of the sign pertaining to dogs.
Two weeks ago a person staying at the Villa Maria Del Mar retreat center approached me. She asked me if anyone enforced the laws around here. We both walked over and read the sign at the County entrance to Corcoran Lagoon Beach. There are nine ordinances listed. The first seven are prefixed with a red circle with a diagonal line through it - things you shouldn't do. The eighth and ninth ordinances were things that you should do - dogs must be on leash and owners must pick up after their dogs (no red circle). We then looked at people entering the beach and already on the beach. Eight of the ordinances were being violated (we couldn't see a dog owner not picking up after the dog).
Earlier this week a couple arrived at the same County entrance, loaded with beach gear. The man was sweating profusely and the woman was crying. They told me that they had driven a long way, had a problem finding a place to park, had arrived at the beach with the intention of having a fire and had just read the sign indicating that no fires are allowed (red circled). They were standing there with three off-leash dogs. They didn't mention the part of the sign pertaining to dogs.
July 15-17, 2015
This report covers the beach from Moran Lake to Sunny Cove. On Wed., there were five off-leash dogs, one on-leash. On Thurs., there were three off-leash dogs, none on leash. However, on Friday, there were many more people on the beach with ten off-leash dogs and only one on-leash. Most of these dog owners seem to be out of area visitors. We need better Dogs on Leash Only signage at the beach access points.
July 8, 2015
Eleven unleashed dogs on the beach. Most seem to be non-residents, visitors to Santa Cruz, although two dog owners attached leashes when they saw me approaching with the camera.
July 7, 2015
This morning an unleashed dog chased the Goose family. The dog's owner took a picture of his dog swimming in the outflow and then walked away with his dog still unleashed.
July 5, 2015
It is bad enough that people trash the beach every July 4th. Bad enough.
Add to that in our litter cleanup the day after, we also found a large pile of dog excrement. After we picked it up, a family of six entered the beach with two off-leash dogs. One defecated 60 feet in front of us. The people began to walk past it, but they saw us staring at them. They weren't sure what to do about the excrement and debated among themselves about who was going to pick it up. Eventually a woman reached into her bag and pulled out something which she could use to do the pick up. Not sure what she did with it after picking up, only that she did not take it back to the garbage cans.
Add to that in our litter cleanup the day after, we also found a large pile of dog excrement. After we picked it up, a family of six entered the beach with two off-leash dogs. One defecated 60 feet in front of us. The people began to walk past it, but they saw us staring at them. They weren't sure what to do about the excrement and debated among themselves about who was going to pick it up. Eventually a woman reached into her bag and pulled out something which she could use to do the pick up. Not sure what she did with it after picking up, only that she did not take it back to the garbage cans.
July 1, 2015
Incredible number of dogs on the beach this morning around 9:30 am, mostly between the 26th and 20th access points. At least twelve off-leash and only two on-leash.
June 26, 2015
Seven dogs off-leash and two on-leash dogs. Most were clustered around the 20th Ave beach access.
June 17, 2015
Cool and overcast morning. Most of the people on the beach between Moran Lake and Sunny Cove were with dogs. There were ten off-leash dogs and two on-leash. Three of the off-leash were with the fellow that was caught before at Moran Lake. He was tying up traffic trying to get his dogs across the road together.
May 27, 2015
This is why it is important to have dogs leashed when at the beach!
This goose family was resting and then headed toward a feeding area closer to the roadway but still on the beach. The geese saw two dogs at the entrance to the beach and decide to retreat to outflow. After awhile, the geese parents realized the dogs weren't coming onto the beach and decided to return the family to the feeding area.
May 11, 2015
A dog attack report appeared on a local neighborhood forum (Next Door Opal Cliffs) that exchanges information. Resident's names have not been included, only the details of the messages about the dog attack report.
A resident first wrote: "Our 16 yr old dog was attacked today at 36th beach by an american bull dog with a brindle pattern. My spouse had to beat the dog with our chunk it (sic) and then physically pull the bull dog off our 16 yr old. Our 16 yr old sustained non-critical lacerations but we are very concerned that such an attack on a smaller dog would be fatal."
Responses to this report included the following from other residents:
"I had an elderly dog attacked by 2 Rotts at PP several years back so I know what a horrible experience it can be. I am glad your dog is okay but no doubt there is some trauma."
"I'm so sorry to hear this. My dogs were attacked on the cliffs by 38th Ave. by someone visiting our area with an off lease dog. Their dog tore my small dogs ear & some miner lacerations but so scary while it's happening."
Further discussion ensued to clarify if the dogs were on or off leash. The person who originally posted about the attack at 36th beach replied "All were off leash -- Our 16 yr old was standing by my spouse & the bull dog came up to sniff & then it attacked."
Next came a message from another resident, which described a separate yet similar event at the beach: "I hope your sweet dog is ok. We told you the horror of that leashed pit bull attack we saw 2 weeks ago. It was terrifying. I guess this was a different dog same beach. We were sitting Moran beach left side close to rocks. I was reading. About 10 ft away were 2 men, and a pit bull on a leash also sitting. A young dad pushing baby in stroller, with small fluffy dog on leash thank God. Next thing we know the pit bull bolts from seated men, grabs the tiny dog, tosses it in the air, and whips toward the stroller. Dad yanks tiny dog up by leash and pit bull men try getting dog off everything. Saying so sorry so sorry. He's never done anything like that before. I was TERRIFIED."
Finally, this comment from another resident: "I lived at the end of Rockview for 2 years. I encountered WAY more dogs off leash than on. My small dog on leash was nearly attacked multiple times."
A resident first wrote: "Our 16 yr old dog was attacked today at 36th beach by an american bull dog with a brindle pattern. My spouse had to beat the dog with our chunk it (sic) and then physically pull the bull dog off our 16 yr old. Our 16 yr old sustained non-critical lacerations but we are very concerned that such an attack on a smaller dog would be fatal."
Responses to this report included the following from other residents:
"I had an elderly dog attacked by 2 Rotts at PP several years back so I know what a horrible experience it can be. I am glad your dog is okay but no doubt there is some trauma."
"I'm so sorry to hear this. My dogs were attacked on the cliffs by 38th Ave. by someone visiting our area with an off lease dog. Their dog tore my small dogs ear & some miner lacerations but so scary while it's happening."
Further discussion ensued to clarify if the dogs were on or off leash. The person who originally posted about the attack at 36th beach replied "All were off leash -- Our 16 yr old was standing by my spouse & the bull dog came up to sniff & then it attacked."
Next came a message from another resident, which described a separate yet similar event at the beach: "I hope your sweet dog is ok. We told you the horror of that leashed pit bull attack we saw 2 weeks ago. It was terrifying. I guess this was a different dog same beach. We were sitting Moran beach left side close to rocks. I was reading. About 10 ft away were 2 men, and a pit bull on a leash also sitting. A young dad pushing baby in stroller, with small fluffy dog on leash thank God. Next thing we know the pit bull bolts from seated men, grabs the tiny dog, tosses it in the air, and whips toward the stroller. Dad yanks tiny dog up by leash and pit bull men try getting dog off everything. Saying so sorry so sorry. He's never done anything like that before. I was TERRIFIED."
Finally, this comment from another resident: "I lived at the end of Rockview for 2 years. I encountered WAY more dogs off leash than on. My small dog on leash was nearly attacked multiple times."
April 15, 2015
10:30 am Cool cloudy weather and/or enforcement patrols by Animals Services has resulted in fewer off-leash dogs in the mornings recently. Three off-leash dogs were sighted at Corcoran Lagoon beach (two on-leash) and no off-leash seen at Sunny Cove Beach.
April 14, 2015
Sunny Cove seemed to be the place today for off-leash dogs with at least seven running wild with two altercations in the short time we were there. Needless to say there were no birds. Later there were another seven unleashed dogs at the shoreline of Corcoran Lagoon Beach.
At 6:15 pm three people were sitting on the sand near the shoreline of Corcoran Lagoon Beach. With them was a medium sized dog on a leash and a small dog held in their arms. Another couple came along with an off-leash Weimeraner followed by a German Shepherd that had no apparant owner. Both of these large dogs pestered the other three people and their dogs. The man finally jumped up to shoo the dogs off. The couple retrieved their Weimeraner and continued their walk. The three people that had been enjoying the beach, with their dogs responsibly leashed and hand held, left.
At 6:15 pm three people were sitting on the sand near the shoreline of Corcoran Lagoon Beach. With them was a medium sized dog on a leash and a small dog held in their arms. Another couple came along with an off-leash Weimeraner followed by a German Shepherd that had no apparant owner. Both of these large dogs pestered the other three people and their dogs. The man finally jumped up to shoo the dogs off. The couple retrieved their Weimeraner and continued their walk. The three people that had been enjoying the beach, with their dogs responsibly leashed and hand held, left.
April 9, 2015
10:30 am A man came along the beach with a pit bull and another dog, possibly an American Bulldog, chased all the shorebirds (5 Egrets, Whimbrels, Willets), then continued along the shoreline finally chasing this last Willet at 23rd. Beach cleared of birds.
April 8, 2015
11:00 am A woman entered the beach from E. Cliff Dr. with two unleashed dogs, one of which immediately chased after the egrets in the lagoon outflow. The dog then chased the Surfbirds, a Whimbrel and several Willets feeding at the shoreline. A man who watched this happen said he was going to have a word with the dog owner. I don't know if he did, but she left the beach shortly there after.
April 5, 2015
11:53 am One off-leash Weimaraner chased twenty-seven birds off Corcoran Lagoon Beach. These three birds, with twenty-four others, were on the beach all day except when chased off. They landed again in lagoon outflow.
March 12, 2015
5:00 pm There were six birds on the outflow. One Canada Goose, two Egrets and three ducks.
A group of six people with three off leash dogs over near the apartments repeatedly threw a ball into the outflow. The egrets flew away and the ducks went up onto the path beside the apartments, trapping themselves. The goose retreated to the east bank of the outflow and eventually flew away. The ducks were trapped on the path beside the apartment. They didn't enter the water because the balls were being thrown in there. To escape from the trap they had to run towards the six people and three unleashed dogs and barely made it out of there.
5:40 pm A woman and a very small girl tried to enter the beach via the path beside the apartments. She aborted the attempt when confronted by the scene of the six people accompanied by the three unleashed, rambunctious dogs.
A group of six people with three off leash dogs over near the apartments repeatedly threw a ball into the outflow. The egrets flew away and the ducks went up onto the path beside the apartments, trapping themselves. The goose retreated to the east bank of the outflow and eventually flew away. The ducks were trapped on the path beside the apartment. They didn't enter the water because the balls were being thrown in there. To escape from the trap they had to run towards the six people and three unleashed dogs and barely made it out of there.
5:40 pm A woman and a very small girl tried to enter the beach via the path beside the apartments. She aborted the attempt when confronted by the scene of the six people accompanied by the three unleashed, rambunctious dogs.
Later that evening, residents who live on 21st Avenue were conversing on the street. One had his leashed dog with him. A woman came up off the beach with an unleashed pit bull breed dog. The pit bull attacked the leashed dog (an American bulldog). An elderly couple, shook up by the dog fight, retreated into their house. The woman with the pit bull said to the owner of the dog attacked: "I don't understand why he does that. He attacked another dog last week." He replied to her statement by telling her that if she kept her dog on a leash, she wouldn't be having the problem.
March 10, 2015
4:00 pm Two women, each with a large unleashed dog walked around the south end of the lagoon outflow. One of the dogs approached a lone egret, which flew away. A few moments later, one of the dogs entered the outflow and headed for a duck. The two women stood there as if they were watching a boat race.
March 5, 2015
4:20 pm This was the third chase for this dog. Entered the beach at 32nd, chased birds there, again between 32nd and 34th and then this chase pictured. Dog's owner was heads down in her smart phone and saw none of the chases.
March 1, 2015
Photo taken at 3:00 pm on Sunday. Does the egret stand a chance? Do the mindless dog owners who throw balls for their unleashed dogs have a clue?
February 24, 2015
This morning I was photographing Killdeer foraging on the edge of the lagoon outflow. I was down low so as not to disturb the birds. As I was getting ready to take more shots, a woman with an unleashed dog entered the beach from E. Cliff and hurled a ball towards the seaweed and me. So I had a dog charging at me and the birds flying. I said to the woman "You threw the ball at the birds." She replied "I didn't see the birds." This was the same woman whose unleashed dog chased Killdeer out in front of the apartments last year.
February 20, 2015
Enforcement News
After two months of only one proactive patrol at the Live Oak beaches by Animal Services, complaints from people who attended the February ASA Board meeting and more photo-documented complaints several days later resulted in enforcement activity that has made a difference in just one week.
For the first time in months, the pack of nine or so unleashed dogs that are usually found at 20th each morning were not there today. Gone also was the constant barking. Two AS enforcement officers had patrolled the beach on February 19, much to the dismay of many owners of unleashed dogs.
Consistent, random enforcement works.
After two months of only one proactive patrol at the Live Oak beaches by Animal Services, complaints from people who attended the February ASA Board meeting and more photo-documented complaints several days later resulted in enforcement activity that has made a difference in just one week.
For the first time in months, the pack of nine or so unleashed dogs that are usually found at 20th each morning were not there today. Gone also was the constant barking. Two AS enforcement officers had patrolled the beach on February 19, much to the dismay of many owners of unleashed dogs.
Consistent, random enforcement works.
4:30 pm Since Animal Control officers can't be on the beach all the time, this dog cleared the birds out at 32nd, then chased all the birds off between 34th and 36th.
February 16, 2015
9:00 am Fifteen unleashed dogs on CLB.
February 13, 2015
When I went down to the beach at 4:00 pm there were eight dogs and four of them were unleashed. Within an hour there were eleven off-leash dogs. A group of people sat with their leashed pit bull. The pit bull had sat there quietly with his people for over an hour. At 5:30 they had to pick it up in their arms to prevent it from becoming aggressive with an off-leash dog that had come over unsolicited, without its owner. As the five walked away they were complaining about being disturbed by the off-leash dog and felt that they couldn't stay on the beach.
February 12, 2015
I visited Corcoran Lagoon Beach at 5:30 pm. It was impossible to walk safely on the foreshore, because there were eight unleashed dogs. One couple with two large dogs was throwing a ball parallel to the shore, rendering a safe walk there impossible. Another couple with two large dogs was hurling a ball from the beach towards the road into the lagoon and it landed within six feet of me. If they had overthrown, it would have hit me. They threw that ball into the lagoon eight or more times.
I almost stepped in this pile of feces, which was in the main route from East Cliff to the seashore.
I almost stepped in this pile of feces, which was in the main route from East Cliff to the seashore.
February 3, 2015
This pelican was chased off by unleashed dogs three times in one hour. Picture taken at 32nd Ave. beach at 5:02 pm.
From an observer: "I think it is very wrong that people run their dogs off leash at Pleasure Point, the only good size reef area in mid county where birds can feed at low tide. It is criminal that they are denied that by dog owners."
Before chasing the sea gulls behind it, this unleashed dog had already cleared out a Great egret, a Snowy egret, a Pelican and many smaller shorebirds. Picture taken at 34th Avenue beach at 4:50 pm.
February 2, 2015
A dog owner, violating the County Leash Ordinance, allows this unleashed Queensland heeler to chase birds at 34th Avenue beach (3:20 pm).
February 1, 2015
Chronic and regular violators of the County Leash Ordinance with their unleashed dogs, using the beach for a morning toilet opportunity. All on parade between 8:50 and 9:30 am.
January 30, 2015
34th Avenue beach at 2:50 pm. This dog is real a bird dog. It stalks the birds before attacking. I've seen it stalk small birds that people down there don't see. These egrets were fine even when the surfers put in near them. Only the charging dog caused them to fly away.
January 24, 2015
Busy sunny day at the beach! At 2:33 pm, when I was walking past the Dirt Farm (East Cliff Drive at 37th Avenue) the off-leash dog owners there and on the sidewalk suddenly began leashing up. One guy ran behind a truck and hid. What caused this? A deputy's patrol car cruising along East Cliff Drive.
January 22, 2015
January 21, 2015
In the morning a woman with a very nice leashed pit bull entered the beach near 23rd and began to walk towards the ocean. She saw unleashed dogs running around near the 23rd rip rap, with their owners sitting over near 21st, so she turned around and decided not to take her dog out there. We had a long chat. She said that she doesn't understand why people allowed their dogs to run free on the beach. She told me that there is a guy on 20th who has a Weimaraner which he allows to run free and that it attacked her dog.
From 4:00 - 4:30, between the rock shelf and 20th, there were 7 off-leash dogs. Because of the low tide, tide pools and the marine invertebrates that live in them were exposed. One man allowed his unleashed dog to urinate on a tide pool and the rock along side it. Following that 3 other dogs urinated on the same spot.
From 4:00 - 4:30, between the rock shelf and 20th, there were 7 off-leash dogs. Because of the low tide, tide pools and the marine invertebrates that live in them were exposed. One man allowed his unleashed dog to urinate on a tide pool and the rock along side it. Following that 3 other dogs urinated on the same spot.
January 18, 2015
This afternoon at the 34th Ave. beach there were about fifty people on the flats between 32nd and 36th. Crazy scene with charging off-leash dogs. Chasing each other in packs of three or four or chasing balls. I was hit twice in the leg by the same pit bull. At times there were groups of people gathered together shouting at the dogs - to scare them off. I eventually stood leaning against the cliff to get out of the way of the mayhem. Even there I had some near misses. Amazing that no one was hurt. I have never been so relieved to exit a situation.
January 17, 2015
1:45 pm At 34th Avenue beach this bird dog (he stalked birds) made several chases between 32n Avenue and 41st Avenue,
clearing the area of birds as it went. Then did the same on the return trip. The owners, a mother and son,
paid no attention to the dog. I doubt that they even witnessed it chasing birds - Egrets, Great Egret, dozens of Black
Turnstones and this Sea Gull.
clearing the area of birds as it went. Then did the same on the return trip. The owners, a mother and son,
paid no attention to the dog. I doubt that they even witnessed it chasing birds - Egrets, Great Egret, dozens of Black
Turnstones and this Sea Gull.
January 15, 2015
Tide was pretty high at 10:30 AM so all the off-leash dogs (seven) and their owners were congregated by the high sand at the Corcoran Lagoon outflow. There were no on-leash dogs. Sunny Cove had no people and no dogs.
January 14, 2015
Snowy egret flushed by unleashed dog at 20th Avenue beach (11:10 am)
January 13, 2015
10:13 am This dog's owner threw a ball toward shorebirds feeding for his unleashed dog, which promptly headed for the
birds that the owner probably never saw.
birds that the owner probably never saw.
January 11, 2015
8:00 am This egret, originally standing in the outflow water near the rip rap, is flying because two unleashed dogs were
charging around. Notice the black dog, shaking water from its coat as a result of charging into the outflow after
the bird. After the chase the egret landed near a bag of dog excrement.
charging around. Notice the black dog, shaking water from its coat as a result of charging into the outflow after
the bird. After the chase the egret landed near a bag of dog excrement.
January 10, 2015
11:15 am These birds were back within ten minutes only to be chased away again, this time by two very small dogs that
continued the chase over into the lagoon, resulting in the flushing of several Whimbrels and Marbled godwits that
were feeding. A second group of birds flew over to feed on the edge of the surf only to be put to flight by an
unthinking man who threw a ball for his dog.
continued the chase over into the lagoon, resulting in the flushing of several Whimbrels and Marbled godwits that
were feeding. A second group of birds flew over to feed on the edge of the surf only to be put to flight by an
unthinking man who threw a ball for his dog.
JANUARY 9, 2015
Could have been a nice sunset, to enjoy sea, sand, sky and shorebirds. Instead we got a herd of unleashed dogs and no birds.
January 8. 2015
9:55 am Seven dogs running off leash, around one man throwing a ball. No birds in sight.
Same spot, no dogs, and two shorebirds enjoy their peaceful habitat.
11:33 am to 11:35 am More wildlife harassment by unleashed dog.
Here I am, a peaceful Snowy egret, resting in my watery habitat. Two minutes later I have to flee a canine predator, unleashed and out of control of its owner. What's wrong with this picture?
Here I am, a peaceful Snowy egret, resting in my watery habitat. Two minutes later I have to flee a canine predator, unleashed and out of control of its owner. What's wrong with this picture?
January 5, 2015
Six Snowy egrets enjoyed the shoreline of Corcoran Lagoon Beach from 9:45 am to 10:33 am. They were not bothered by walkers, who carefully passed them. People and wildlife sharing the beach. At 10:33 the unleashed dogs arrived and harassed the birds for 8 minutes, finally chasing them away for good.
January 3, 2015
10:00 am to 10:30 am During time that I took these amazing pictures of birds at the shoreline, a couple of considerate dog owners near 20th Avenue stairs kept their dogs restrained and watched the birds. They never let their dogs loose. The woman in these pictures walked past the other dog owners and cleared the beach of approximately 200 birds. Two minutes later, on her return trip, I was focusing on a bird, which flew away when her dog passed me. The woman realized that she had prevented me from taking a pic, said "Excuse me" then stepped in front of me to hurl the ball down the beach which was now receiving other off leash dogs and devoid of birds.
January 1, 2015
10:00 am to 10:30 am Three species of birds were trying to feed at the lagoon outflow when a woman, with a ball thrower, came onto the beach with her unleashed German Shepherd. She and the dog stayed for 20 minutes, with her unleashed dog disturbing the birds the entire time. Then she was joined by another couple with another unleashed German Shepherd. Between them, they managed to clear the beach of birds.
11:45 am Sunny Cove Beach. There were three off-leash dogs. I witnessed a little girl about three or four get knocked down by one of the off-leash dogs. Although she was crying she didn't appeared to be damaged. In the photo, the three off-leash dogs are visible and the little girl in pink who was knocked down. The owner of the dog is admonishing the dog in the photo. Why chastise the dog? It was the owner's decision to allow her dogs off-leash.
1:00 pm Birds were feeding within 6 feet of the beach at the bottom of the 26th Avenue stairs. As I was taking photographs of the birds, three unleashed dogs, heading for the birds, barged into me, one of them hitting the back of my thigh. The owners of the smallest unleashed dog had witnessed the incident, because they told me it wasn't their dog that did the deed. I told them that I knew it was one of the larger dogs, either the black lab or the pit bull. The owners of the larger unleashed dogs had walked away, toward Corcoran Lagoon Beach. Since the feeding birds were going in that direction, I walked in the same direction. At 23rd the owners of the unleashed dogs turned around and leashed up as they came back towards me. No word of apology.
December 28, 2014
11:00 am Beach at bottom of 20th Avenue stairs. Another unleashed dog chases shorebirds. Do these dog owners,
violating the leash law, have any clue or do they think birds enjoy being flushed by predators?
violating the leash law, have any clue or do they think birds enjoy being flushed by predators?
11:48 am Harassment of wildlife on the shore of the National Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary by unleashed dog. These pictures taken at the end of the Corcoran Lagoon outflow. Constant harassment allowed by dog owners.
2:50 pm And another unleashed dog chases birds at Corcoran Lagoon Beach. It is past time to raise the fines for
violation of the leash law, to put some teeth into the consequences of destroying wildlife habitat with domestic pets.
violation of the leash law, to put some teeth into the consequences of destroying wildlife habitat with domestic pets.
December 27, 2014
A Snowy egret was chased off twice by this dog, at 11:37 am and then again at 11:43 am. The owner was on a cell phone, for the most part ignoring the dog except for occasionally throwing a ball. After the owner and dog departed from the beach the egret returned. It walked within ten feet of me and in front of the man picking up sea glass.
By 12:30 pm there were seven dogs at the beach and the egret flew away for good.
By 12:30 pm there were seven dogs at the beach and the egret flew away for good.
At 12:58 pm these two dogs had a fight. Both were injured. The black and tan dog on the left was limping badly. Both owners were visitors from out of town.
Later... another report from farther up the coast...
I was getting in a sunset hike from 4-mile beach up towards red, white and blue beach along the cliffside trail. I'm walking along, reciting some monologue in my head about how absurd the off leash dog situation is, when lo and behold, I look up to see a large, white/tan dog standing about 30 feet in front of me, staring at me and barking in a threatening fashion.
There was nobody else anywhere in sight. Hwy 1 was about a quarter mile away. The dog was charging at me in spurts while he barked. In terms of defense I had…..my jacket. There were no rocks, sticks or anything else around that could be used to drive him off. At that point I determined that my best course of action was to retreat to the cliff edge where I knew there was a fisherman's path that led down to a drop off point where I could jump the twelve or so feet to Table Rock where I thought the dog wouldn't go. So with the dog following me, barking, I headed for the cliff edge. Fortunately I had my cell phone, so I called 911. The dog remained at the same spot. I was now trapped on a small point of land with cliffs on three sides.
The 911 operator hooked me up with State Parks. It took about 30 minutes for the rangers to find my location and then find a farm road on which to access my location. The ranger then loaded me into his vehicle and drove me back to the highway. Along the way we encountered the woman who owned the dog. She was camped out on the highway shoulder in her van. The ranger gave her directions on how to find her dog. The ranger volunteered to me that they were issuing her a citation.
The California coast seems to be going to the dogs.
I was getting in a sunset hike from 4-mile beach up towards red, white and blue beach along the cliffside trail. I'm walking along, reciting some monologue in my head about how absurd the off leash dog situation is, when lo and behold, I look up to see a large, white/tan dog standing about 30 feet in front of me, staring at me and barking in a threatening fashion.
There was nobody else anywhere in sight. Hwy 1 was about a quarter mile away. The dog was charging at me in spurts while he barked. In terms of defense I had…..my jacket. There were no rocks, sticks or anything else around that could be used to drive him off. At that point I determined that my best course of action was to retreat to the cliff edge where I knew there was a fisherman's path that led down to a drop off point where I could jump the twelve or so feet to Table Rock where I thought the dog wouldn't go. So with the dog following me, barking, I headed for the cliff edge. Fortunately I had my cell phone, so I called 911. The dog remained at the same spot. I was now trapped on a small point of land with cliffs on three sides.
The 911 operator hooked me up with State Parks. It took about 30 minutes for the rangers to find my location and then find a farm road on which to access my location. The ranger then loaded me into his vehicle and drove me back to the highway. Along the way we encountered the woman who owned the dog. She was camped out on the highway shoulder in her van. The ranger gave her directions on how to find her dog. The ranger volunteered to me that they were issuing her a citation.
The California coast seems to be going to the dogs.
December 24, 2014
10:08 am This unleashed dog attacked ducks sleeping at Moran Lake County Park. The dog's owner, talking on a cell phone, ahead of the dog, never knew what the dog was doing. Fortunately the ducks, their sleep and rest disturbed, to the detriment of their health, escaped.
December 22, 2014
At 4:00 pm I walked down the path in Moran Lake County Park. As I approached the end of Fresno Street I observed a dozen or so ducks on the path. A woman with an unleashed boxer was walking up from the direction of the beach. She saw the ducks but did not leash her dog. The dog chased the ducks who fled into the water. The woman continued a short way up the path and the ducks returned to the bank beside the path.
The woman turned around began her return journey back to the parking lot. The boxer chased the ducks again and was going into the water to continue the chase. The woman called the dog and it returned to her. She walked away with the still unleashed dog and had gone about thirty feet, when the dog ran back to the scene and chased the ducks for the third time. The woman returned, grabbed the dog's collar and told the dog that it had worn out it's welcome.
A neighbor who witnessed this with me said that someone had dumped a pair of domesticated ducks there, and now there was only one of the pair remaining and that was one of the ducks being chased this evening. The other half of the pair had been killed by an unleashed dog and the neighbor had buried it nearby. The neighbor also told me that some people encourage their dogs to chase the ducks.
The woman turned around began her return journey back to the parking lot. The boxer chased the ducks again and was going into the water to continue the chase. The woman called the dog and it returned to her. She walked away with the still unleashed dog and had gone about thirty feet, when the dog ran back to the scene and chased the ducks for the third time. The woman returned, grabbed the dog's collar and told the dog that it had worn out it's welcome.
A neighbor who witnessed this with me said that someone had dumped a pair of domesticated ducks there, and now there was only one of the pair remaining and that was one of the ducks being chased this evening. The other half of the pair had been killed by an unleashed dog and the neighbor had buried it nearby. The neighbor also told me that some people encourage their dogs to chase the ducks.
December 21, 2014
I was walking on E. Cliff watching unleashed dogs at low tide going nuts on birds. I overheard two men talking about the dogs chasing the birds and then about the controversy regarding off leash.
One man was pro off leash. When I talked about birds not feeding and children running he said "yeah, kids shouldn't run from dogs because the dogs go for the back of the neck." He said that three dogs chased and bit his son in the back of the neck at the beach long ago. When I asked why then he doesn't support the leash law he said his children were grown now and he doesn't care. I told him I did because they chase my grandchildren now. He was unmoved. |
4:30 pm to 5:15 pm I walked to the convent and back from 26th ave. There were 4 or 5 very small children playing at 20th stairs. On my way back a very large unleashed black dog came up to me fast. He circled around me and I started looking for his owner and yelling "whose dog is this?!" The dog stayed near/behind me and finally I saw someone far down the water line look up from fishing. I told him his dog really frightened me and he said the dog was very well trained and he was ok. Then his other big American bull or mix came up and he said they were trained police dogs and he took them on airplanes with him. They had no collars. I told him it was illegal and there were children around and the dogs should be leashed. He apologized and wished me Merry Christmas. As I walked away the dog followed me and did the same thing again from behind! I turned and called and he called the dog.
I visited Corcoran Lagoon Beach (CLB) three times today. The first two times there were five different unleashed dogs, constant turnover. This evening I visited CLB again and there were twelve unleashed dogs. I'd guess that over 100 unleashed dogs were at Corcoran Beach today. No birds out there to photograph. Of course!
This afternoon I also visited the other East Cliff Drive beaches. When I arrived, there were about ten small egrets, but they were chased off before I could get down the stairs. The small egrets never came back. I was down there for about 50 minutes and during that time, there were at least five instances of unleashed dogs chasing birds (including a Great Blue Heron, Great Egret and flocks of small shore birds).
I was focused on a Great Egret that had previously been chased off and had landed in another area. I knew it would only be a matter of minutes before the unleashed German Shepherd would chase it off again, so I waited. I watched the Shepherd off to my left and as he approached the bird a second dog came from my right and chased the bird off. I still don't know which of the two dogs (the German Shepherd or the one pictured) was responsible for flushing the beautiful bird. Does it matter? The beach is occupied by unleashed dogs and wildlife does not stand a chance.
On the beach between 32nd and 36th, it was bedlam. There were in excess of fifteen unleashed dogs. It was a wonder that no small kid was knocked down.
This afternoon I also visited the other East Cliff Drive beaches. When I arrived, there were about ten small egrets, but they were chased off before I could get down the stairs. The small egrets never came back. I was down there for about 50 minutes and during that time, there were at least five instances of unleashed dogs chasing birds (including a Great Blue Heron, Great Egret and flocks of small shore birds).
I was focused on a Great Egret that had previously been chased off and had landed in another area. I knew it would only be a matter of minutes before the unleashed German Shepherd would chase it off again, so I waited. I watched the Shepherd off to my left and as he approached the bird a second dog came from my right and chased the bird off. I still don't know which of the two dogs (the German Shepherd or the one pictured) was responsible for flushing the beautiful bird. Does it matter? The beach is occupied by unleashed dogs and wildlife does not stand a chance.
On the beach between 32nd and 36th, it was bedlam. There were in excess of fifteen unleashed dogs. It was a wonder that no small kid was knocked down.
December 8, 2014
Between 32nd and 36th Ave. beaches, a large off-leash black and brown dog chased off a Great Blue Heron and later chased off a Great Egret. That off-leash dog ran wild out on the flats between 32nd and 36th for more than 30 minutes. Later, another off-leash dog chased off a small flock of Black Turnstones who were trying to feed.
December 7, 2014
One small off-leash dog cleared out all the birds, including eleven Egrets, between 32nd and 36th Ave. beaches. Then one Egret flew in. A black off-leash Great Dane wanted to get at it but stopped at the deep water between it and the Egret. The dog stood across the water and barked continuously for 10 minutes.
December 3, 2014
4:00 pm I visited Corcoran Lagoon Beach because I could see about ten Egrets in the outflow. I was just getting into position to photograph them when someone entered the beach with an off-leash dog which chased the birds off. The only dog on the beach, but it was enough to harass all the birds. Eventually one Egret returned and I took a picture of it.
4:30 pm I was at the beach at around 4:30 p.m. I saw Egrets, Seagulls and Sandpipers. There was a woman by the rocks at the bottom of both 19th and 20th Avenue stairs on the small strip of sand available. She had a medium-size white dog, off-leash of course, running up and down the beach scaring off birds.
4:30 pm I was at the beach at around 4:30 p.m. I saw Egrets, Seagulls and Sandpipers. There was a woman by the rocks at the bottom of both 19th and 20th Avenue stairs on the small strip of sand available. She had a medium-size white dog, off-leash of course, running up and down the beach scaring off birds.
November 18, 2014
10:00 am Between 26th Ave and 20th Ave. I counted at least ten off-leash, only one on-leash and there were two more headed toward the beach with ball throwers in hand as I left. One of these two off-leash dogs was chasing the birds trying to feed along the shoreline. As I was watching her and the dogs she walked over to the apartments to peer through the pilings at a SC County official vehicle that had stopped on the bridge on East Cliff Drive. Not a great day for a stroll on the beach.
November 14, 2014
4:30 pm These gulls were trying to rest at the seaward end of the lagoon outflow. They were chased twice by off-leash dogs. The first time was by two dogs who entered from E. Cliff Dr. with their young owners. After the dogs flushed the birds, the owners leashed them. The second time the birds were flushed by a pack of four unleashed dogs who chased one another off the sand and into the lagoon outflow. Out on the beach there were more than 10 off-leash dogs, running everywhere. One woman scolded her dog for chasing the birds. What did she expect with the dog unleashed?
Bonaparte's Gull (Chroicocephalus philadelphia) - first winter plumage
November 12, 2014
4:40 pm My great grandson (almost 5 years old now) and I walked to 26th Ave beach for the sunset. We saw 6 dogs off-leash from the stairs and counted 14 different dogs off-leash in the time we were on the beach (20 minutes). We stayed in front of the stairs because he didn't want to walk toward Corcoran due to the all the dogs on the narrow beach. While leaving the beach, at the top of the stairs, a very large brown and white off-leash American bulldog ran toward us at top speed heading for the stairs. This forced me to pick up my grandson to avoid a possible crash. This is the same dog that cornered another beach visitor against the rocks a year or so ago.
November 9, 2014
There was a couple watching the seals/sea lions. The man seemed to know a lot about marine mammals. He told me that if no one had been around the animals would have come ashore.
The feeding frenzy was very close to shore; it could not have been closer. Many of the birds were mistiming the waves and getting hammered. In addition the water was very shallow and the action intense, including collisions. On two occasions, stunned pelicans were washed onto the shore. On both occasions a different unleashed dog rushed at the pelicans and almost got them as they struggled to get back into the water.
The feeding frenzy was very close to shore; it could not have been closer. Many of the birds were mistiming the waves and getting hammered. In addition the water was very shallow and the action intense, including collisions. On two occasions, stunned pelicans were washed onto the shore. On both occasions a different unleashed dog rushed at the pelicans and almost got them as they struggled to get back into the water.
November 7, 2014
5:30 pm Before sunset, four off-leash dogs and two on-leash.
November 6, 2014
4:45 - 5:30 pm During this 45 minute period, I walked from Moran to Corcoran and counted 28 dogs along the way, at various times, with only about 6 of them on-leash. Many of the dog owners are the same chronic offenders of the leash ordinance.
Corcoran Lagoon Beach Is this a pattern? Some chronic leash ordinance offenders seem to be avoiding Corcoran for off-leash activity, keeping their dogs leashed until they walk further east, past the rocks at 23rd toward Moran, and on return to 23rd and Corcoran, leashing up once again.
November 4, 2014
3:00 pm Almost every human or pair of humans on the beach had a dog with them.
It doesn't seem to matter what time of day you visit the LO beaches between Sunny Cove and Moran Lake there are lots of off-leash dogs. Today there were about ten off-leash, two on-leash and one being held.
In the attached photo there are at least three off-leash by Corcoran Lagoon. The woman on the far left had an off-leash black dog that chased off the sanderlings that were trying to feed. It waited till we were past and then tried to approach from behind. I had to chase him back and finally the woman called the dog. Just the way to ruin a beautiful afternoon. I thought we were winning the battle but now the tide seems to have turned again with no ACS presence.
It doesn't seem to matter what time of day you visit the LO beaches between Sunny Cove and Moran Lake there are lots of off-leash dogs. Today there were about ten off-leash, two on-leash and one being held.
In the attached photo there are at least three off-leash by Corcoran Lagoon. The woman on the far left had an off-leash black dog that chased off the sanderlings that were trying to feed. It waited till we were past and then tried to approach from behind. I had to chase him back and finally the woman called the dog. Just the way to ruin a beautiful afternoon. I thought we were winning the battle but now the tide seems to have turned again with no ACS presence.
November 3, 2014
DOGS CHASE MARINE MAMMAL
Today at noon, the tide was getting low but the tide pools at 34th Ave. were still covered, though shallow. Two large dogs both black and white, one a pit bull and one an American bull dog, were in hot pursuit of a small seal or sea otter (the person next to me thought sea otter) and they nearly caught it. The otter/seal was leaping/swimming in the shallow water and the pair of dogs were running/swimming fast and close behind. The owner was calling from the beach but the dogs paid no attention and were quite far out. Eventually they turned and came up the stairs where their owner asked a bunch of people if they had seen it (she was proud of them) and told the people the breeds and names and the fact that they were rescue dogs. There were several more large dogs running around off leash down on the beach.
Today at noon, the tide was getting low but the tide pools at 34th Ave. were still covered, though shallow. Two large dogs both black and white, one a pit bull and one an American bull dog, were in hot pursuit of a small seal or sea otter (the person next to me thought sea otter) and they nearly caught it. The otter/seal was leaping/swimming in the shallow water and the pair of dogs were running/swimming fast and close behind. The owner was calling from the beach but the dogs paid no attention and were quite far out. Eventually they turned and came up the stairs where their owner asked a bunch of people if they had seen it (she was proud of them) and told the people the breeds and names and the fact that they were rescue dogs. There were several more large dogs running around off leash down on the beach.
November 2, 2014
Between 32nd and 36th Unable to get airborne, an egret was chased by an off-leash malamute for more than 20 minutes. At the end of the incident the owner leashed up and left the beach. Some bystanders made a comment to her and she replied "I am going home now."
October 31, 2014
Halloween afternoon report from an observer: "No beach, no dogs on or off-leash, just some scary looking people out and about."
October 29, 2014
10:00 am Eight off-leash dogs between 26th Ave and the rock shelf at 20th and only one on-leash that had to be picked up by the owner as the other dogs came racing up. Two of the off-leash dog owners were the ones who chronically violate the leash law. One with a black lab and one with a Weimaraner.
The point was awash in the high tide, so dog owners stayed away. Where there were no dogs off-leash (past the point by Villa Maria del Mar), there was quite a variety of birds particularly along the rock shelf, including: oystercatchers, godwits, plovers, and gulls. Also noted were at least four killdeer by the Corcoran outflow which is still blocked by the tidal sand berm.
4:15 pm - 5:30 pm Twelve-off leash dogs between 20th and 23rd (Corcoran Lagoon Beach) including 5 black labs, a large brown mixed breed, a Dalmatian, a German Shepherd, and assorted smaller dogs. I finally managed to find a place free of dogs and was standing in the water, when a woman with an off-leash small fox terrier mix walked by. She did not have a leash with her. She said," Oh, is that your bag, pointing to my beach bag. My dog just peed on it. I'm sorry. My dog has never done that before." She then said, "I’ll have to put him/her on a leash," and hurried off. I should have asked her to buy me a new bag, but I was speechless.
The point was awash in the high tide, so dog owners stayed away. Where there were no dogs off-leash (past the point by Villa Maria del Mar), there was quite a variety of birds particularly along the rock shelf, including: oystercatchers, godwits, plovers, and gulls. Also noted were at least four killdeer by the Corcoran outflow which is still blocked by the tidal sand berm.
4:15 pm - 5:30 pm Twelve-off leash dogs between 20th and 23rd (Corcoran Lagoon Beach) including 5 black labs, a large brown mixed breed, a Dalmatian, a German Shepherd, and assorted smaller dogs. I finally managed to find a place free of dogs and was standing in the water, when a woman with an off-leash small fox terrier mix walked by. She did not have a leash with her. She said," Oh, is that your bag, pointing to my beach bag. My dog just peed on it. I'm sorry. My dog has never done that before." She then said, "I’ll have to put him/her on a leash," and hurried off. I should have asked her to buy me a new bag, but I was speechless.
October 28, 2014
5:30 pm I walked to the beach via 26th Ave stairs. On the way I passed a father and a 17 month old boy who were walking to the beach. At the bottom of the stairs another man and a 1-1/2 year old girl were near the waterline on a rather wide beach due to low tide. The toddler was standing near her father who was lying on his side. As I approached them 2 large off leash dogs came running fast down the stairs and headed straight for them passing between him and the toddler barely touching the child. I asked them to leash their dogs and they did as they proceeded to walk toward Corcoran. The other father then approached us and said the dogs had nearly knocked his boy down the stairs. I continued walking and counted 13 off-leash dogs on my way to Corcoran. In the area near the Convent there were 6 large dogs racing around furiously for their balls including the ones who had run down the stairs at 26th.
October 27, 2014
Early evening Another low tide warm night and I counted 23 off-leash dogs (4 other dogs were on-leash). It is time to increase patrols at this beach, particularly at Corcoran, because the large off-leash dogs are a daily event, especially at sunset.
October 22, 2014
5:45 - 6:15 pm Between 26th ave stairs and Corcoran end of the beach, I counted 12 off leash dogs during my walk. There were no leashed dogs. A bull mastiff ran around near me and came up to me several times during my walk. There were four large dogs running hard and dominating the Corcoran end of the beach.
October 5, 2014
9:00 am Eleven off-leash dogs, including the woman with her two big dogs and the man with two small white dogs. Both dog owners are there regularly and should be cited again and again. Why are they still violating the leash law every day?
October 4, 2013
8:30 am At least 10 off leash dogs on Corcoran Lagoon Beach
4:00 - 5:30 pm About 100 people including lots of little children on the beach at Corcoran. Huge waves again. Possible to walk as far as about 25th. Saw 4 dogs on leash and an average of 8 off-leash while I was there.
4:00 - 5:30 pm About 100 people including lots of little children on the beach at Corcoran. Huge waves again. Possible to walk as far as about 25th. Saw 4 dogs on leash and an average of 8 off-leash while I was there.
October 3, 2014
4:45-5:15 p.m. Between 23rd and 20th beaches there were 17 off-leash dogs. Most dog owners -- singles or groups -- had two dogs with them. 5 pit bulls, 1 doberman, 2 bulldogs, 2 of those beige greyhounds.
7:30 pm Huge waves and not good conditions to be taking chances. A woman with an off-leash dog was down on the beach, walking towards 25th. The dog was six feet behind her when she passed 24th. A minute later I heard screaming and shouting. She had been smashed against the rocks and was saved by surfers. She was transported away in an ambulance. I have no idea what happened to her dog. It was a 3/4 scale mottled Weimaraner type dog with a cropped tail. If the dog was drowned that would be the fourth dog drowning that I know about on that beach.
October 2, 2014
9:35 am This is an example of why dogs should always be on-leash at Corcoran Lagoon Beach. These are the stairs at the bottom of 20th Avenue. Many dog owners unleash their dogs at the top of the stairs, allowing them to speed down the stairs to the sand below. This photo was taken when there were no dogs around to disturb the egret.
October 1 and 2, 2014
Evenings both dates -- Bedlam, with many, many dogs off leash.
September 3, 2014
11:00 am Vacations are over. Fewer people between Moran and Sunny Cove. Only one dog off-leash visible. More shorebirds.
August 31, 2014
4:00 - 5:00 pm More than 100 people were on the beach, including several large groups. While I was there for an hour, I saw an average of 10 off-leash dogs. Most were from 23rd to Moran, but as the hour wore on I began to see more from 23rd to 20th. I saw two different couples with dogs on-leash walking from Moran area to 20th. On the way back they had unleashed their dogs. I assume that is because they saw other unleashed dogs.
August 30, 2014
8:45 am Twelve off-leash dogs on Corcoran Lagoon Beach, including the Weimaraner and large brown dog owned by a local resident who allows her two dogs off-leash at the beach almost daily.
9:00 am At Moran lake there were five dogs off-leash (four with one owner).
August 29, 2014
10:30 am Overcast sky, tide rising, large surf, not many people about except surfers. Between 26th and Sunny Cove there were three off-leash dogs, and one on-leash dog. In Sunny Cove there were two off-leash dogs. Since there were no dogs in the area around the rock shelf, there was a flock of about a dozen godwits and few gulls feeding along the shore. The rock shelf had its usual dog droppings.
August 28, 2014
9:00 am At Corcoran Lagoon Beach -- Three off-leash dogs with two people. Two more off-leash dogs on the rock shelf. A couple leaving the beach with on off-leash dog. Another regular with beach visitor with two small off-leash dogs, leaving the beach, as another woman arrives, allowing her dog off-leash. All dogs urinate, one down on the shoreline kelp for a long time. Some dump and feces is mostly retrieved into plastic bags. The beach as a toilet.
August 26, 2014
4:30 pm Six dogs off-leash at Sunny Cove beach.
August 25, 2014
7:00 - 7:30 pm There was one leashed dog and about ten people enjoying the beach between 20th and 26th. Various species of birds, including egrets, were in the outflow and on the beach. First time that I have witnessed that many birds during the evening hours for a long time. The Hermann's gulls were unperturbed by people walking close to them.
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus )
Hermann's gull (Larus heermanni)
August 23, 2014
9:15 am Five dogs off-leash on Corcoran Lagoon Beach.
August 22, 2014
10:00 am Two dogs off-leash near the rock shelf (one belonging to a regular violator of the leash ordinance). Two other dogs were on-leash at 26th access. Later, there were two other dogs off-leash and out of control by Corcoran Lagoon.
August 20, 2014
11:15 am Moran Lake Beach - three off-leash dogs and one on-leash.
11:19 am to 11:40 am On the path thru Moran Lake Park, there were five dogs off-leash.
11:19 am to 11:40 am On the path thru Moran Lake Park, there were five dogs off-leash.
7:22 pm Corcoran Lagoon Beach - no dogs at all.
7:28 pm Sunny Cove - no dogs here either.
7:35 pm Corcoran Lagoon Beach - two dogs - one leashed and one off-leash.
7:28 pm Sunny Cove - no dogs here either.
7:35 pm Corcoran Lagoon Beach - two dogs - one leashed and one off-leash.
August 17, 2014
9:40 am 20th Ave. to 23rd Ave. beach: one off-leash dog.
9:45 am 26th Ave. beach: Two large off-leash dogs, regularly at the beach with their owner. On previous occasions they have been seen running uncontrolled at least 600 feet away from the owner. A couple of months ago, the ridge-back bared it's teeth at a tourist who was standing close to the portable toilet. The dog's owner was out of ear shot and oblivious to the problem.
7:04 pm 19th Ave. to 23rd Ave. beach: Four off-leash dogs. At 7:26 pm those four off-leash dogs were replaced by three different off-leash dogs. At 7:39 pm two more off-leash dogs entered the beach with their owners trailing behind.
9:45 am 26th Ave. beach: Two large off-leash dogs, regularly at the beach with their owner. On previous occasions they have been seen running uncontrolled at least 600 feet away from the owner. A couple of months ago, the ridge-back bared it's teeth at a tourist who was standing close to the portable toilet. The dog's owner was out of ear shot and oblivious to the problem.
7:04 pm 19th Ave. to 23rd Ave. beach: Four off-leash dogs. At 7:26 pm those four off-leash dogs were replaced by three different off-leash dogs. At 7:39 pm two more off-leash dogs entered the beach with their owners trailing behind.
August 16, 2014
3:30 pm At least seven off-leash dogs on Corcoran Lagoon Beach.
7:15 pm No dogs on the 20th to 23rd Avenue Beach. Two small off-leash dogs on19th Avenue beach/rock pools.
7:20 pm One off-leash dog on Sunny Cove
7:45 pm No dogs on the 20th/23rd Avenue beach. Sea gulls were feeding undisturbed on the water's edge.
7:15 pm No dogs on the 20th to 23rd Avenue Beach. Two small off-leash dogs on19th Avenue beach/rock pools.
7:20 pm One off-leash dog on Sunny Cove
7:45 pm No dogs on the 20th/23rd Avenue beach. Sea gulls were feeding undisturbed on the water's edge.
August 15, 2014
10:45 am There were three off-leash dogs and three on-leash dogs on the traverse from Sunny Cove to Moran Lake.
7:20 pm Two off-leash dogs exited the beach onto 21st Avenue roadway. Owners still on the beach. Dogs returned to owners on rocks near end of 21st Avenue.
7:28 pm Two large off-leash dogs were roaming all over the rock shelf at 19th Avenue. Owners (man and woman) facing out to sea enjoying the view with their backs to the dogs, oblivious. After sufficient time for the dogs to do their duty, the owners and their dogs took off for their evening stroll along the beach. The plastic bags tucked into the dogs' collars unused.
7:20 pm Two off-leash dogs exited the beach onto 21st Avenue roadway. Owners still on the beach. Dogs returned to owners on rocks near end of 21st Avenue.
7:28 pm Two large off-leash dogs were roaming all over the rock shelf at 19th Avenue. Owners (man and woman) facing out to sea enjoying the view with their backs to the dogs, oblivious. After sufficient time for the dogs to do their duty, the owners and their dogs took off for their evening stroll along the beach. The plastic bags tucked into the dogs' collars unused.
August 14, 2014
10:10 am The usual number of dogs, five off-leash and three on-leash. One of the off-leashers is a regular that sits on a one legged stool by the 26th Ave access with a ball thrower and a black lab type mix dog. The dog barks continuously until he throws the ball.
August 13, 2014
10:48 am. Five off-leash dogs on the beach between 23rd Ave and 19th Ave. Two of the off-leash dogs were unattended because their owners were surfing.
11:00 am Five off-leash dogs on sunny Cove Beach
11:45 am At Moran Lake Beach an off-leash dog ran out onto East Cliff Drive despite the calls of it's owner who was 150 feet from the road on the beach.
Noon Here's a surprise: there were eleven on-leash dogs on the sidewalk. There was also one off-leash dog wandering around at 36th Avenue on the sidewalk and street -- far enough away from humans that it was impossible to determine to whom the dog belonged.
3:00 pm Six large off-leash dogs on the beach between 38th Ave and 41st Ave.
11:00 am Five off-leash dogs on sunny Cove Beach
11:45 am At Moran Lake Beach an off-leash dog ran out onto East Cliff Drive despite the calls of it's owner who was 150 feet from the road on the beach.
Noon Here's a surprise: there were eleven on-leash dogs on the sidewalk. There was also one off-leash dog wandering around at 36th Avenue on the sidewalk and street -- far enough away from humans that it was impossible to determine to whom the dog belonged.
3:00 pm Six large off-leash dogs on the beach between 38th Ave and 41st Ave.
August 11, 2014
My niece arrived recently with her small children -- a 4 year old and 2 year old. The children were having their first trip ever to the beach. They live in Washington state. Although the sand was tantalizingly close, as I live in Live Oak, we had to drive to Capitola beach, where we could be sure we would be safe from unleashed dogs. I just can't risk having the children frightened or hurt at County beaches. What a shame.
August 10, 2014
Noon I walked on the beach from 26th to 20th. Five off-leash dogs and only one on-leash (a young rambunctious husky on a 30 foot leash). One plastic bag full of dog excrement on the rocks near 24th Avenue. Just west of the rocks at 23rd, a young family, two adults and four very small children were setting up for the day. The man was using one of the children's sand spades to clear the area of of piles of dog excrement. He remarked to me "This isn't what I brought it for." A man that frequently visits Corcoran Lagoon Beach told me that he isn't seeing so many wildly running dogs down there; he is seeing an increase in the number of families with small children.
August 9, 2014
Something is afoot and we are pleased. The regular off-leash offenders are either away on vacation or they have received enough citations from County Animal Services officers that they have finally gotten the message that is it not okay to violate the ordinance. Two reports from two different people tell the tale:
10:14 am Although the tide was too high to walk on the beach, I saw plenty of dogs around the Moran Lake beach area with their owners. Only one dog was off-leash. There were lots of egrets and the a Green Heron at Moran Lake on the inland side.
11:15 am I walked from Moran Lake to 41st Avenue. On East Cliff Drive there were eleven dogs on-leash, zero dogs off-leash. One of the on-leash dogs was sitting under a picnic table, on-leash but the owner wasn't holding the other end. At least he's getting the message!
Here is a picture of the Green Heron:
10:14 am Although the tide was too high to walk on the beach, I saw plenty of dogs around the Moran Lake beach area with their owners. Only one dog was off-leash. There were lots of egrets and the a Green Heron at Moran Lake on the inland side.
11:15 am I walked from Moran Lake to 41st Avenue. On East Cliff Drive there were eleven dogs on-leash, zero dogs off-leash. One of the on-leash dogs was sitting under a picnic table, on-leash but the owner wasn't holding the other end. At least he's getting the message!
Here is a picture of the Green Heron:
August 7, 2014
7:50 pm I visited 20th to 23rd Avenue beach. There were 5 dogs, two off-leash and three on-leash. A short while later I visited Sunny Cove Beach and although there were many people on the beach, there were no dogs present. I did see a full blue poop bag laying near the entrance to the beach at 23rd Avenue all day.
July 26, 2014
8:00 am Lighthouse Field State Beach An off-leash Rottweiler defecated on the beach, 50 feet from the regularly scheduled "off-leash campaign" table. The pile of defecation was not picked up.
July 25, 2014
10:30 am There were seven dogs off-leash (four regulars) and two on-leash between Sunny Cove and Moran Lake. With all the dogs, there were no shorebirds, only a few crows. Noticed one uncollected dog pile on the rock shelf with dog pile in foreground and some surfers in the background.
July 19, 2014
11:30 am Twin Lakes State Beach A woman unleashed her small dog at the top of the stairs. The dog ran down the stairs and out into the middle of the beach where it promptly defecated. The woman began to walk down the stairs and halted half way down, probably because she had seen the Park Ranger's truck coming into view travelling from East to West. The Ranger was preoccupied, looking seaward at standup paddlers approaching too close to a pod of dolphins. After the Ranger had passed the end of 12th Avenue, the woman walked over to the pile of excrement and covered it with sand using her foot. Two other women with two large dogs on leash, walking West to East (opposite direction to the Ranger), unleashed their dogs as soon as they had passed the rear of the Ranger's truck.
July 18, 2014
10:00 am Although overcast at the beach, the tide was low and there were lots of people and way too many dogs between Sunny Cove and Moran Lake. There were 11 dogs off-leash (and 5 on-leash). Here are just a few of the off-leash dogs:
The white-bearded man with his two off-leash dogs was at Corcoran Beach, sitting next to the log that someone has stuck upright in the middle of the beach. His smaller poodle type dog came running out to bark and bark at the local Bird Club group when it entered the beach. The man did nothing. Finally when the dog got a little too close the man stood up and called it. A minute or two later his larger dog approached one of the birders. The man said nothing to the dog.
The school traffic monitor was at Moran Lake with his three dogs off-leash, as was a woman with an off-leash pug which was allowed to walk around on top of a picnic table.
The school traffic monitor was at Moran Lake with his three dogs off-leash, as was a woman with an off-leash pug which was allowed to walk around on top of a picnic table.
7:45 pm At Sunny Cove Beach there were ten groups of people sitting on the sand and a group of teenagers playing soccer closer to the water. A woman entered the beach with two large dogs, one black and one brown. Both dogs defecated as soon as they arrived on the beach and minutes later one of the dogs defecated again. None of those three piles were picked up. Both dogs then involved themselves with one of the groups sitting on the beach. The dog's owner made no attempt to call them until a man in the group called to her and asked her to call her dogs away. She did so and moved closer to the water where she began throwing a rope toy for the dogs. Every time the group of soccer players moved closer to the woman and her dogs, she threw the rope toy towards the players.
July 17, 2014
10:15 am What started out as a sunny day quickly turned to fog at the shoreline, so not too many people on the beach. Three off-leash dogs and one on-leash.
8:30 pm I walked along the shore and saw hundreds of dog footprints. There were two dogs with a man and woman - at first both dogs were on leash. They let go of one of the dogs so it could chase a stick, leash dragging. The dog ran up to me and the woman laughed and said, "He's just a big pup." I explained how I did not want to be approached by her dog. Later I saw a grey-haired man with two unleashed pugs - one black and one white, plus a woman with an unleashed fox terrier and a ball thrower. I gave up on an evening walk on the beach. It's gone to the dogs. I went back home to sulk.
July 16, 2014
For the past two days, between 4:45 and 5:30, I have observed a man and woman with two off leash dogs on the beach. One dog is brown and white with a white tip on its tail and the other dog is black. The two people stand at water's edge and talk while their dogs run loose all over the beach.
At 7:30 tonight, there were 6 dogs off-leash dogs in one area of the beach.
At 7:30 tonight, there were 6 dogs off-leash dogs in one area of the beach.
July 3, 2015
Overcast day but near clearing about 10:00 AM. Today there were eight dogs off-leash (mainly locals) and four dogs on-leash. One woman with her dog on-leash was being somewhat harassed by an off-leash dog, which she found annoying. When we thanked her for having her dog leashed she was pleasantly surprised.
June 28, 2014
2:00 - 4:00 pm There were over 75 people on Corcoran Lagoon Beach today, including quite a few small children and young teens playing in the water or using their boogie boards in the shallow water where it comes up onto the beach. There wasn't a lot of walking room for people strolling or dog walkers.
As I entered the beach at 23rd I saw a red plastic bag full of dog poop on the sand. I saw one off-leash dog at the cliff at 23rd. -- this is an off-leash dog with owner I often see. A group of 4 men appeared around the cliff coming from 26th with 5 off-leash dogs between them. The dogs rushed to the other woman's dog. She waved her arms around trying to chase them off. The men leashed their dogs and walked on down to 20th. I didn't see if they unleashed them again. The woman continued to throw a ball for her off-leash dog. Another couple appeared from the 26th direction with an off-leash dog. When they saw the commotion with the 5 dogs and the beach full of people, they turned back toward 26th. There were 2 off-leash dogs at 20th and several off-leash dogs which were sitting next to their owners. I saw a couple with 2 ginger-colored poodle types go by on-leash and a young couple with 2 small dogs on-leash walk by. As I was leaving the beach at around 4:00, a couple arrived with an off-leash dog and set up their chairs near me.
Another resident appeared with his large dog leashed, but then as he walked toward 20th he unleashed it. The dog urinated 2 times on piles of kelp which I later watched wash back down into the water right where some children were playing. I then saw his dog stop and defecate directly in front of a group of people who were sitting under an umbrella. He picked up the pile while they all watched. He did not leash his dog.
As I entered the beach at 23rd I saw a red plastic bag full of dog poop on the sand. I saw one off-leash dog at the cliff at 23rd. -- this is an off-leash dog with owner I often see. A group of 4 men appeared around the cliff coming from 26th with 5 off-leash dogs between them. The dogs rushed to the other woman's dog. She waved her arms around trying to chase them off. The men leashed their dogs and walked on down to 20th. I didn't see if they unleashed them again. The woman continued to throw a ball for her off-leash dog. Another couple appeared from the 26th direction with an off-leash dog. When they saw the commotion with the 5 dogs and the beach full of people, they turned back toward 26th. There were 2 off-leash dogs at 20th and several off-leash dogs which were sitting next to their owners. I saw a couple with 2 ginger-colored poodle types go by on-leash and a young couple with 2 small dogs on-leash walk by. As I was leaving the beach at around 4:00, a couple arrived with an off-leash dog and set up their chairs near me.
Another resident appeared with his large dog leashed, but then as he walked toward 20th he unleashed it. The dog urinated 2 times on piles of kelp which I later watched wash back down into the water right where some children were playing. I then saw his dog stop and defecate directly in front of a group of people who were sitting under an umbrella. He picked up the pile while they all watched. He did not leash his dog.
June 25, 2014 - Off-Leash Dog Signs Vandalized
The signs at the 26th Ave stair access have been painted over with graffiti. Note that the one referring to the dog rules has been completely obliterated with paint.
UPDATE:
County Public Works was notified of the vandalism and within 24 hours had cleaned and restored both signs. Special thanks to Public Works for their swift and efficient work!
June 20, 2014
Summer has begun and tourists (who may be staying in vacation rentals) seem to be increasing the number of off-leash violations.
Tide waning in the morning. Similar to yesterday, most people sporting dogs. Two on-leash were with Santa Cruz residents but nine off-leash dogs. Some of these were the same ones from yesterday but new to this stretch of beach.
June 19, 2014
Overcast morning with a low tide at 10:00 am. Almost all of the people on the beach were associated with dogs, three on-leash and seven off-leash. I didn't recognize any of the dog owners.
June 18, 2014
Now that school is out, many more people on the beach at 10:00 am between Moran Lake and Sunny Cove. Unfortunately, there were many off-leash dogs (about a dozen, difficult to count in the mist) and only one on-leash dog. Most, if not all, were tourists with families. I did not recognize any of the dogs.
May 12, 2014
7:45 am A couple pulled up in parking lot, in a vehicle with an expired license plate and let their three dogs off leash to run all over the beach. I guess they might as well violate two laws on the same day, while their dogs use the beach to pee and defecate.
May 11, 2014
10:30 am Animal Control Officer on the beach for about 10 minutes. A woman with a leashed dog exited the beach and told me that the off-leash people were down there discussing letting their dogs run free after the ACS officer had left.
11:55 am A man with an off-leash dog came toward the rocks near the east end of the Corcoran Lagoon Beach shoreline. The dog pooped and the owner picked it up. Fifteen yards further the dog did a second load. No second plastic bag, however, so the owner covered the feces with sand, leaving it for an unsuspecting beach walker. While he was covering the feces, the unleashed dog disturbed shorebirds who were feeding at the shoreline.
Early afternoon My daughter and I walked to Capitola and back on the low tide beach. I saw more people than I have ever seen at the beach and many off leash dogs. A light tan apricot poodle was off leash around 38th Ave. As we watched in horror the dog lunged and snapped at a small child at the water line. I told the owner to leash her dog. The owner's excuse was that she was trying to teach the dog to go in the water. This is the same dog who lunged and snapped at another child a couple of years ago. This off-leash dog and his owners frequent the beach from 26th Ave. to Corcoran.
7:50 pm An off leash dog entered the inner lagoon at about 7:50 pm and chased everything that moved, mainly both Killdeer who were in flight to keep the dog from the chicks. All the ducks and egrets left the area. I left at 8:20 pm. The dog was still out there chasing the killdeer. The dog and the couple who owned it, trying to catch the dog, trampled a large amount of habitat. Initially, the dog came running over East Cliff Drive, chasing the ducks that it had begun chasing out closer to the ocean. I don't know how the killdeer chicks fared, the dog went thru their area several times. The owner told me that she was mortified because because she likes birds. The dog's name was Chaco.
Click HERE to see the video of this dog chasing killdeer.
May 6, 2014
Noon to 2:00 Pleasure Point at low tide: Off-leash Great Dane, off-leash large German Shepherd, off-leash large white-grey-black short hair dog, off-leash Golden lab, off-leash Black lab and several smaller dogs.
April 28, 2014
1:30 pm I was trying to take pics of distant killdeers. For the third time within six days that I have had dogs come charging into my viewfinder and disturbing egrets. In this case, a couple worked their way up the west side of the lagoon, throwing a toy for their off-leash dog along the edge of the outflow. I was focusing on three killdeer that were on the west bank. I was about to take the shot when this dog came into view. He chased his toy and as he picked it up he spotted the egrets that were to my right. The birds flew. The dog owners, intent only on their dog and his play, were apparently unaware of the disturbance to wildlife.
April 27, 2014
A new bird watcher (one year) gave two young off-leash dog owners a half hour talk on the effects that off-leash dogs have on feeding shore birds. He said that he thinks that he got nowhere; they were two twenty something surfers and they knew it all.
There is a family of ducks in the Moran Lake County Park. Originally there were twelve or fourteen ducklings. This afternoon there are only six. They are having to contend with a peregrine falcon, a hawk, raccoons and off-leash dogs. I met the woman who is trying to protect the family. She has been confronting off-leashers, some of whom think it's fun for their dogs to chase ducks.
April 26, 2014
8:00 - 9:00 am Many dogs off-leash at the beach. Someone conjure up an Animal Control Officer!
APRIL 24, 2014
8:35 am What a difference Animal Enforcement Patrols make! On Tuesday and Wednesday, between 7:15 am and 8:00 am, there were about twenty off-leash dog owners. All owners stayed on the west side of the lagoon, while 10 or 12 of their dogs came over to the east side of the lagoon. ACS showed up at 8:01 am. Today, during the same time period there was only one off-leash owner and three owners with their dogs on-leash. No dogs came over to the east side of the lagoon, allowing this egret some peace and me a chance for a photograph.
April 23, 2014
8:10 am Tried to get a picture of this egret in the lagoon outflow this morning. Off-leash comes charging. Bird flees.
April 22, 2014
7:30 am Earth Day on the Corcoran Lagoon Beach outflow.
7:45 am Earth Day ruined for the birds when two off-leash dogs enter the outflow near the shore. Their owner was back in front of the apartments, clueless as to what his irresponsibility set in motion.
April 20, 2014
This morning, beginning at 7:00 a.m., a man was throwing a ball for his two off-leash dogs at the water line at the end of 23rd. The dogs barked constantly. This was still going on after 8:00 a.m. when their barking was joined by the barking of another pair of off-leash dogs, one of which had a whooping bark like that of a blood hound. The beach at Corcoran is a bowl and the sound of dogs barking at the shoreline is amplified and very aggravating.
I was at the outflow focusing for a still on a Great Egret when an off-leash dog came running from behind me and almost got the bird. The bird circled around and made a diving pass at the dog and then flew over the bridge to the inner lagoon. The dog then ran across East Cliff Dr. and charged around in the inner lagoon causing all the birds to fly, then the dog recrossed East Cliff to the beach. The chase began out by the rip rap at 23rd. Owners in hot pursuit the entire time. (See full video at: http://llascc.weebly.com/off-leash-dog-videos.html)
April 15, 2014
10:30 am Two couples with off-leash dogs were on the ocean side of the outflow where it flows into the ocean close to 23rd. I was on the inland side trying to photograph a Great Blue Heron that was out there. When the unleashed dogs approached, the bird flew off.
Suddenly the dog owners appeared to panic and tried to leash their dogs. An Animal Services officer was approaching from the west. The dog owners tried to get away from him by crossing the outflow. The officer hollered "Don't cross the water ma'am." They stopped and were either issued two tickets or two warnings.
Suddenly the dog owners appeared to panic and tried to leash their dogs. An Animal Services officer was approaching from the west. The dog owners tried to get away from him by crossing the outflow. The officer hollered "Don't cross the water ma'am." They stopped and were either issued two tickets or two warnings.
3:00 pm Corcoran Lagoon Beach conversation between a out-of-town visitor with a leashed dog and another dog owner who approached with her dog unleashed:
Visitor ~ "Could you please put your dog on a leash."
Off Leasher ~ "Why should I?"
Visitor ~ "Because I feel threatened by your dog."
Off Leasher ~ "This is a dog beach. If you feel threatened you shouldn't be here."
Visitor ~ "Could you please put your dog on a leash."
Off Leasher ~ "Why should I?"
Visitor ~ "Because I feel threatened by your dog."
Off Leasher ~ "This is a dog beach. If you feel threatened you shouldn't be here."
April 13, 2014
11:50 am A light brown curly haired poodle type dog was running loose on the eastern part of Corcoran Lagoon Beach. No owner in sight. It ran all over the beach and eventually exited the beach at 23rd Avenue, running out into traffic. Another off-leash dog, similar to a St Bernard came down East Cliff from the direction of 24th. Both dogs met at 23rd. Seven or eight cars came to a stop and drivers got out to try to round up the dogs. At least two people tried phoning Animal Services. The dog that looked like a St Bernard was returned to it's home on 25th. I don't know what happened to the light brown dog.
April 12, 2014
8:30 am The tide revealed a narrow stretch of beach between 32nd and 34th Avenues. Two California Sea Otters were mating very close in to the beach. When they were within fifteen feet of the beach, a woman with a small dog was getting as close as she could without getting her feet wet and apparently trying to get the otters' attention by clapping her hands at the pair while her dog was behind her yapping.
A sad moment in Santa Cruz. A woman standing inside the Monterrey Bay Marine Sanctuary harassing a threatened species during the mating act.
A sad moment in Santa Cruz. A woman standing inside the Monterrey Bay Marine Sanctuary harassing a threatened species during the mating act.
April 6, 2014
This Willet (Tringa semipalmatus) was tolerant of people wading in the lagoon outflow but flew when three off-leash dogs came charging into the outflow from the apartment side. The resident off-leash Weimaraner was running all over the beach again today.
March 28, 2014
3:45 pm I was walking on the beach with seven house guests, one of them 4 years old and three were teens. There were 5 to 10 off leash dogs on the beach the whole time, including the Weimaraner (whose owner lives on 20th) that is loose on the beach every day. That dog and two other large dogs came to investigate us (one peed on our sandcastle). When we told the dogs "Go away," they would not leave. A big white English bull dog came back again and again, very interested in the 4 year old. We finally had to ask his owner to please call his dog. At the same time the owner of the Weimaraner appeared and left with her dog.
March 27, 2014
9:00 - 11:00 There were 5 to 8 dogs off-leash on the beach all the time I was there. At first there were three or four on the east side of the outflow. There were 6-8 egrets on the outflow that left when a daily off-leash Weimaraner descended from 20th Avenue all by himself to run freely on the beach. His owner came down a half hour later and retrieved his off-leash dog.
March 25, 2014
11:00 - 11:30 am We watched a steady stream of dogs off-leash at Pleasure Point Beach. At one point there were fourteen. Instead of enjoying the beach, we spent our time up on the concrete seats mostly trying to get a bunch of sticky dog feces off one shoe (from our walk through Moran Park).
March 19, 2014
Early Morning Strolled by Corcoran Lagoon and out to Sunny Cove along E Cliff. Sunny Cove had no dogs, no people and a flock of little birds feeding at the shoreline. On the return, there were two women walking their dogs in the Corcoran Lagoon area, one on-leash and one off-leash. As we were walking on E Cliff, the off-leash dog headed toward the Killdeer nest area. When the owner saw me walk across E. Cliff and take her photo, she called her dog and starting walking back toward the beach.
Later that morning This report was posted on Nextdoor Live Oak at 10:30 am: https://liveoaksantacruz.nextdoor.com/news_feed/
"A young lady has adopted a fighting pit bull dog who attacked a man with his dog on the beach after he tried to break up an attack on his dog. He required a trip to emergency with several dog bites to his upper arm. The lady said, 'I TOLD YOU IT WAS A FIGHTING DOG.' She is a frequent visitor to the beach and lets her animal run off leash. I am not sure if he is going to make a police report, so it's up to all of us to be on the look-out while using the beach with our dogs or small children. The pit bull is all black with a red harness, the female owner drives an older Ford Bronco. The attack occurred after the man pulled the pit bull off his dog."
Later that morning This report was posted on Nextdoor Live Oak at 10:30 am: https://liveoaksantacruz.nextdoor.com/news_feed/
"A young lady has adopted a fighting pit bull dog who attacked a man with his dog on the beach after he tried to break up an attack on his dog. He required a trip to emergency with several dog bites to his upper arm. The lady said, 'I TOLD YOU IT WAS A FIGHTING DOG.' She is a frequent visitor to the beach and lets her animal run off leash. I am not sure if he is going to make a police report, so it's up to all of us to be on the look-out while using the beach with our dogs or small children. The pit bull is all black with a red harness, the female owner drives an older Ford Bronco. The attack occurred after the man pulled the pit bull off his dog."
March 17, 2014
8:30 am Two dog owners, one with a ball thrower, with three off-leash dogs. Seem to be lots of plastic bags of dog poop lately. One on a log, two other full bags on the upper beach near 21st. An older woman, who put her dog on leash, began picking up small litter but did not pick up the bag of someone's else dog poop. I saw a lone dog turd by the base of the outflow. Why is this considered okay?
11:15 am I met a woman whose dog had been off-leash and I told her about the one active bird nest. While we were talking an off-leash young German Shepherd came down East Cliff with it's hackles up and began to attack the woman's dog. I put my bike between them and managed to get the German Shepherd to sit. After the woman put her dog safely in her car, the German Shepherd came to me and rolled over to have it's tummy rubbed. We managed to read it's East Cliff Dr. address and the woman used her leash to walk the dog to the address. The dog didn't like the leash and the woman remarked to me that the dog plainly had never been on a leash before.
11:15 am I met a woman whose dog had been off-leash and I told her about the one active bird nest. While we were talking an off-leash young German Shepherd came down East Cliff with it's hackles up and began to attack the woman's dog. I put my bike between them and managed to get the German Shepherd to sit. After the woman put her dog safely in her car, the German Shepherd came to me and rolled over to have it's tummy rubbed. We managed to read it's East Cliff Dr. address and the woman used her leash to walk the dog to the address. The dog didn't like the leash and the woman remarked to me that the dog plainly had never been on a leash before.
March 15, 2014
Before the owner of these two dogs even got to the beach, he hurled a ball into the lagoon outflow. When they arrived at the ocean's edge he hurled the ball alternately to the east and to the west, sometimes just missing other people. A third dog joined the two Rotweillers. Once, as they returned to their owner, they ran through a group of people that included a man walking his leashed dog accompanied by a small boy.
March 13, 2014
Noonish Plenty of dogs off-leash at Moran Lake County Park.
March 11, 2014
11:00 am to 2:30 pm We arrived at Pleasure Point beach about 11am to a low tide and beautiful clear day. We stayed until 2:30. During that time there were 20 or more off leash dogs and 11 very small children.
While I was on the phone to my granddaughter, a dog owner (with two off-leash huskies) began yelling at me, accusing me of calling Animal Control. I ignored her. She stopped to talk to another woman near me and I heard her say "red shirt." I was wearing a red shirt. She then leashed her dogs and continued walking, making two more trips down the beach.
Very soon I noticed several leashed dogs arriving, but their owners did not unleash them at the bottom of the stairs as they usually. After the dogs defecated at the bottom of the stairs, they continued walking the beach on-leash. Another dog owner with his brown and white dog, which is always off leash at the beach, upon seeing my "red shirt," came up to me and said I wasn't fooling anyone and I was taking pictures and everyone knew it. My old cell phone does not take pictures!
Soon there were no more new dogs and the beach cleared of dogs completely! There were no dogs on the beach for at least and hour and we all ran and played in the shallow water without continual vigilance.
While I was on the phone to my granddaughter, a dog owner (with two off-leash huskies) began yelling at me, accusing me of calling Animal Control. I ignored her. She stopped to talk to another woman near me and I heard her say "red shirt." I was wearing a red shirt. She then leashed her dogs and continued walking, making two more trips down the beach.
Very soon I noticed several leashed dogs arriving, but their owners did not unleash them at the bottom of the stairs as they usually. After the dogs defecated at the bottom of the stairs, they continued walking the beach on-leash. Another dog owner with his brown and white dog, which is always off leash at the beach, upon seeing my "red shirt," came up to me and said I wasn't fooling anyone and I was taking pictures and everyone knew it. My old cell phone does not take pictures!
Soon there were no more new dogs and the beach cleared of dogs completely! There were no dogs on the beach for at least and hour and we all ran and played in the shallow water without continual vigilance.
March 8, 2014
2:00 pm Near the apartments, five groups of people without dogs were sitting about 150 feet from the water's edge up on the sandy beach. Seven or eight large off-leash dogs were charging around in and out of the water and up on to the higher part of the beach. One man walking his leashed dog detoured up on to the higher part of the beach to avoid the off-leash dogs.
I was in front of the apartments and was standing half way between the off-leash dogs and the 21st Avenue rocks. Suddenly a group of five dogs charged past me at full speed, led by a large greyhound. Two of those dogs left the beach and went out of sight on to 21st Avenue. The three remaining dogs returned to the general area of their owners. Then the two that had left the beach returned and charged past me and a man with a boy of about eleven years old, missing him by inches.
As I left the beach I met two elderly ladies on East Cliff. One of them told me that she had been bitten on that beach in November of last year. I asked her if she wanted to get involved in solving the problem and she said "No, I live in Lake County."
Then a couple came up off the beach and their dog pooped in the vegetation near the small parking lot near the apartments. Nothing was picked up.
I was in front of the apartments and was standing half way between the off-leash dogs and the 21st Avenue rocks. Suddenly a group of five dogs charged past me at full speed, led by a large greyhound. Two of those dogs left the beach and went out of sight on to 21st Avenue. The three remaining dogs returned to the general area of their owners. Then the two that had left the beach returned and charged past me and a man with a boy of about eleven years old, missing him by inches.
As I left the beach I met two elderly ladies on East Cliff. One of them told me that she had been bitten on that beach in November of last year. I asked her if she wanted to get involved in solving the problem and she said "No, I live in Lake County."
Then a couple came up off the beach and their dog pooped in the vegetation near the small parking lot near the apartments. Nothing was picked up.
March 7, 2014
10:15 am With the tide waning there was not much beach to walk on between Moran Lake and Corcoran Lagoon. There were three dogs visible off-leash and two on-leash.
March 5, 2014
4:20 pm - 5:00 pm While in my car, I passed a woman at 23rd who was unleashing a large brown and white pit bull, moments after seeing a regular off-leash dog owner and her husky exit her car. Later, I observed two more regular off-leash dog owners, walking up 17th with three dogs in tow. They may have been at Sunny Cove or Corcoran.
Just after 5:00 pm, there were five off leash dogs going in all directions at full chat.
Just after 5:00 pm, there were five off leash dogs going in all directions at full chat.
March 4, 2014
Moran Lake Beach We enjoyed 40 minutes of dog-free time on the beach this morning. No off-leash dogs on our sand castles or in our picnic. Then a guy brought 3 small barking dogs and let them off-leash. They ran directly at us, barking all the while.
March 2, 2014
Because of the winter storm, very little sand available today - just 20th to 23rd. Off leash dogs on beach from 7:00 am to after 4:00 pm. There was lots of bird activity all day today also. Birds were flying about the lagoon and over the beach. Large flocks of seagulls settling on the beach near the surf. I watched one big dog chase the sea gulls from about 3:30 to 4:00. Its owners were on the beach near 20th. The dog ran continuously, chasing birds from 23rd to 20th, even into the water. By 4:00, the birds had flown to the east of 23rd above the water and stayed there. The dog continued running back and forth but didn't have much left to chase.
March 1, 2014 2:30 pm
These Whimbrels were chased by an off-leash dog. They were feeding in front of the apartments next to the outflow of Corcoran Lagoon. The photographer couldn't get over there, because the outflow was too rough and fast. A guy in a red coat was over there with an off-leash dog. He's a regular down there. I was expecting the dog to chase these three birds and had my camera ready. The guy started walking towards me. I am pretty sure he knew what I was trying to do. The dog chased the birds and they flew over and landed close to me. Why do we constantly hear from the off-leash campaigners that off-leash dogs do not chase birds?
February 28, 2014
2:30 pm Besides me, only two other people on the beach -- a young woman sitting on the rocks near 23rd and a man with a Geiger counter on the edge of the ocean. I walked out to watch the lagoon flowing into the ocean. As soon as I got to the end of the outflow, an unleashed pit bull that had been with the woman sitting near the rocks came running at me. I watched it coming from a distance of, I guess, 250 feet, wondering how the next few moments were going to play out.
Eventually, I crossed the outflow and when I arrived on the other side, out-of-state vacationers came out from the apartments. They had two children. They asked me "What's with the off leash dogs running around on this beach?" As they spoke we turned and saw the loose pit bull run over and jump up on the man with the Geiger counter. The vacationing couple plus children, timed the waves and went around to the rocks at 19th to be away from the pit bull.
Eventually, I crossed the outflow and when I arrived on the other side, out-of-state vacationers came out from the apartments. They had two children. They asked me "What's with the off leash dogs running around on this beach?" As they spoke we turned and saw the loose pit bull run over and jump up on the man with the Geiger counter. The vacationing couple plus children, timed the waves and went around to the rocks at 19th to be away from the pit bull.
February 24, 2014
This afternoon, while trying to photograph birds near the lagoon outflow, people were throwing sticks into the outflow water for their off-leash dogs to chase. When one large brown off-leash dog owner was informed about the lagoon breach and stolen CA Fish & Wildlife signs, her reply was that she didn't like the Animal Control Officers because they give her tickets. Go figure.
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) and Great egrets (Ardea alba).
Later, at Corcoran Lagoon Beach shoreline, as the photographer tried to get a photo of about 50 of smaller shorebirds, off-leash dog owners ruined the opportunity, as well as the feeding of the birds. The first one came along the beach throwing a ball towards the birds. The Egrets and the Whimbrel kept ahead of her, but the other smaller shorebirds departed the beach and landed on the rocks. She eventually leashed up and left the beach. Three minutes later two more off-leashers came jogging and dancing along the beach kicking a ball ahead of them for their dog. All of the birds departed at the same time, including the ones on the rocks. As soon as the birds left the joggers plus their dog did a U-turn and left the scene completely unaware of the birds. Sixty birds disturbed. Interestingly, the birds were taking no notice of the surfers that were just out from the beach.
February 23, 2014
The tide was waxing and high enough to prevent an easy traverse from 26th to Corcoran Lagoon Beach. There were a few dogs off-leash by Corcoran Lagoon and at least eight off-leash dogs running around in Sunny Cove.
February 20, 2014
10:30 am There were only two dogs off leash near 20th, one an old dog not interested in birds, the other just headed down the stairs with its owner (the same older man with a black dog that got into a shouting match with a family at the 20th access a few months back, when his dog frightened the kids). There was a small flock of sanderlings running along the shoreline feeding as shown in the photos. I had not seen many small shorebirds in recent times along this stretch which used to have hundreds of them. As I passed Corcoran Lagoon, the local heron swooped in to chase a great egret off its perch on the stump. On the outflow side of the lagoon there were three dogs ALL on-leash! I could hardly believe it.
February 18, 2014
4:00 pm At Sunny Cove, surprisingly, all five dogs were on-leash, a very rare observation. One of the dogs, a pit-bull was clearly not used to being on the leash at the ocean as it dragged its young owner around on the beach. There were lots of Great Egrets on both the inland and the ocean side of Corcoran Lagoon. Shortly thereafter, my amazement at all the dogs on-leash was downgraded to a "no wonder" as two Animal Services enforcement officers went by in their truck headed back to Sunny Cove. Hooray for the ACS staff.
February 16, 2014
10:00 am After the disastrous man-made breach of Corcoran Lagoon, resulting in thousands of dead endangered Tidewater Gobys, the outflow is once again closed. Unfortunately, today there was a constant flow of off-leash dogs (one a LOOLA regular). At 4:00 pm I saw a CA Fish & Wildlife truck on East Cliff Dr. going westward toward 23rd Avenue.
February 15, 2014
Between the 26th Ave access and the 20th Ave access there were seven dogs off-leash and none on-leash. Most were located near the 20th Ave access. At Sunny Cove there were close to ten dogs off-leash, not all visible in this picture.
February 11, 2014
3:30 pm Between 26th and Sunny Cove, there were five dogs off-leash and only one on-leash. The regular local leash law violator had his Weimaraner off leash on 20th Ave, as usual.
February 10, 2014
There were 7 off leash dogs tonight at 5:30 p.m. including Monte's Weimaraner.
February 3, 2014
2:00 pm On the rock shelf that runs from the west side of Sunny Cove beach to 16th Avenue. The cliff to the left of the guy is unclimbable if you fall in or jump in. The crevasse to the right of the guy is about four feet deep and is easily climbed out of. This guy had two dogs and he threw a ball into crevasse a number of times and the dogs retrieved the ball. He then threw the ball along the narrow piece of rock between the crevasse and the unclimbable cliff. He waited for a big wave and threw the ball into the ocean and the dogs were smart enough not to follow the ball. He was either stupidly drunk or trying to drown his dogs.
February 1, 2014
9:00 am These two ducks were sleeping peacefully until two women arrived separately with three dogs total and began throwing balls in the lagoon. One of them was a regular leash law violator, who allows her Australian Shepherd to chase birds.
January 28, 2014
4:30pm at the 32nd Avenue beach. Moments before this photo was taken, the dog shown chasing the bird had been playing with other off leash dogs, which belong to members of LOOLA who chronically violate the County leash law and who insist they never see dogs chasing birds.
January 28, 2014
Two of my grandchildren and myself rode our bikes over to the meadow just east of New Brighton Road and at the top of the cliffs over New Brighton Beach. Two off leash dogs (one a pit bull) were running around and I told the kids to take another path to avoid them. One of the owners heard me and said "It's OK, he is friendly." Five minutes a later a woman passed us on the trail and one of her dogs confronted my grandson, barking at him. Every dog on the New Brighton Beach was off leash.
Two of my grandchildren and myself rode our bikes over to the meadow just east of New Brighton Road and at the top of the cliffs over New Brighton Beach. Two off leash dogs (one a pit bull) were running around and I told the kids to take another path to avoid them. One of the owners heard me and said "It's OK, he is friendly." Five minutes a later a woman passed us on the trail and one of her dogs confronted my grandson, barking at him. Every dog on the New Brighton Beach was off leash.
January 16, 2014
This afternoon I visited the 32nd Avenue beach. Constant flow of off-leash dogs. Three incidents 1.) a dog chasing birds, 2.) four large dogs chasing around, causing a couple to grab their small child on three separate occasions, and 3.) while I was going up the steps a man entered the beach with a small off-leash dog. The dog defecated twice at the bottom of the steps and the man scooped sand over both piles. Other regular leash law violators were there, as is their habit.
This afternoon I visited the 32nd Avenue beach. Constant flow of off-leash dogs. Three incidents 1.) a dog chasing birds, 2.) four large dogs chasing around, causing a couple to grab their small child on three separate occasions, and 3.) while I was going up the steps a man entered the beach with a small off-leash dog. The dog defecated twice at the bottom of the steps and the man scooped sand over both piles. Other regular leash law violators were there, as is their habit.
January 15, 2014
10:00 am Nearby Moran Lake there were five off-leash dogs and two on-leash. A sheriff's deputy patrol car turned into the parking lot to turn around and the off-leashers were madly trying to round up their dogs.
2:00 pm Three dogs were off leash as I walked eastward from the 20th Ave. stairs. I mentioned the leash law. "Yeah, we're leaving," came the friendly reply. Further along there was a man with an off-leash black lab that was always at least 100' from him. Digging holes in the sand. The man laid his beach towel and bag of apparent refreshments down as the dog, 50' away, took a dump, leaving six different poops in a line. I took a picture as the man finally got a plastic bag to retrieve the mess. He inadvertently kicked sand on one of the pieces and I alerted him as he started to step in it. Another man came by with a long-haired unleashed black dog carrying a frisbee. That dog dropped the frisbee and walked over and stepped on the other man's towel and began to sniff in the bag. The man shooed him away. A third man showed up with a small unleashed white dog. I left the beach. To the dogs.
January 14, 2014
3:00 pm On a walk from 26th to Sunny Cove there were three off-leash dogs and three on-leash dogs. The three on-leash dogs were a scary bunch as they were with one couple who had two pit bulls on heavy duty chain leashes that were constantly straining to go, along with a smaller older dog. Fortunately, the dogs were kept on the leash. Even so, two women with young children picked the up children and exited the beach when the pit bulls arrived.
3:00 pm On a walk from 26th to Sunny Cove there were three off-leash dogs and three on-leash dogs. The three on-leash dogs were a scary bunch as they were with one couple who had two pit bulls on heavy duty chain leashes that were constantly straining to go, along with a smaller older dog. Fortunately, the dogs were kept on the leash. Even so, two women with young children picked the up children and exited the beach when the pit bulls arrived.
January 10, 2013
10:00 am Six dogs off-leash, one on-leash at Moran Lake beach. One fellow was responsible for four off-leash dogs over which he had little control.
10:00 am Six dogs off-leash, one on-leash at Moran Lake beach. One fellow was responsible for four off-leash dogs over which he had little control.
January 9, 2103
Morning (Somewhat cool overcast morning with a relatively high tide....definitely not the kind of day when dog's like to walk on the beach). There were three off-leash dogs scattered from 26th Ave to Sunny Cove. Interestingly, there were a large number of ducks and geese in the lagoon area near the apartments where many dog owners typically enter the beach area. With no dogs in sight this morning, they were quite content.
Morning (Somewhat cool overcast morning with a relatively high tide....definitely not the kind of day when dog's like to walk on the beach). There were three off-leash dogs scattered from 26th Ave to Sunny Cove. Interestingly, there were a large number of ducks and geese in the lagoon area near the apartments where many dog owners typically enter the beach area. With no dogs in sight this morning, they were quite content.
January 8, 2013
10:00 am There were twelve off-leash dogs between 26th and Corcoran Lagoon with two on-leash entering the beach area by Corcoran as we passed. One of the off-leash dogs on the beach approached and then got behind us and went after Ginny's hands as she happened to be walking with her hands clasped behind her. I had to shoo it off with my walking stick until the owner finally put it on a leash. Also interesting was the large number of shorebirds over on the rock shelf just west of 20th. With the relatively high tide, the dog owners entering at 20th cannot get by the rock outcropping by Villa Maria del Mar, hence the birds are safe to feed.
Noon There were at lest five different kinds of birds on the rock pools; that is, until a guy came down the cliff with an off leash pit bull. And then there were none.
10:00 am There were twelve off-leash dogs between 26th and Corcoran Lagoon with two on-leash entering the beach area by Corcoran as we passed. One of the off-leash dogs on the beach approached and then got behind us and went after Ginny's hands as she happened to be walking with her hands clasped behind her. I had to shoo it off with my walking stick until the owner finally put it on a leash. Also interesting was the large number of shorebirds over on the rock shelf just west of 20th. With the relatively high tide, the dog owners entering at 20th cannot get by the rock outcropping by Villa Maria del Mar, hence the birds are safe to feed.
Noon There were at lest five different kinds of birds on the rock pools; that is, until a guy came down the cliff with an off leash pit bull. And then there were none.
Monday, December 30, 2013
6:30 am Dogs have begun barking at the beach very early this past week. Today I popped my cork at 6:45 am, dressed and ran down to the beach. There was a man with one dog and a woman who had two dogs barking their heads off. The two people were not together. When I approached, the two barking dogs ran at me and reached my feet just as the woman, yelled "They won't do anything!" I told her that I was fed up with listening to dogs bark at the crack of dawn and that the barking noise really carries into the neighborhood. I added that she should leash them or I would call AS. I left and she leashed them -- or I think she did as the barking ceased.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
8:21 am Seven off leash dogs at Corcoran Lagoon Beach, near the shoreline - two observed relieving themselves on a beach swept clean last night by big waves.
Friday, December 27, 2013
10:20 am On the stretch from 26th to Sunny Cove there seven dogs-off leash and three dogs on-leash. One of the off-leashers was in Sunny Cove keeping the sand free of birds. The most interesting incident occurred at the 20th Ave access stairs where a man with two dogs off-leash and a man with his family crossed paths. Evidently the dogs were barking and scaring the children kids. By the time we got to the 20th stairs the two men were in a shouting match. The father (who was furious) got out his cell phone and said he was calling the sheriff as the off-leasher didn't even have leashes with him to corral his dogs. The off-leasher finally got his dogs up the stairs and went to his car to get some leashes.
11:30 am An off leash long-haired dachshund went hurtling down 26th Ave. in the middle of the road from the four hundred block straight to the beach.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
9:30 am There were five dogs off-leash with the owners in a congregation on the sand by the 20th Ave access. There were an additional three dogs off-leash in Sunny Cove. Two of the dogs turned out to be on their own on the beach with the two female owners in their vehicle on the cliff by Sunny Cove Drive. They must have one of those telescopic arms to pick up after their dogs.
5:00 pm Sunset at the 26th Ave access - nine dogs off-leash and four on-leash. The ratio is becoming more promising.
5:00 pm Sunset at the 26th Ave access - nine dogs off-leash and four on-leash. The ratio is becoming more promising.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
9:00 am Cluster of dog owners on beach including tall grey goatee man with black dog. They are standing in a group gesturing in the direction of both ends of the beach. There are, at the moment 9 off leash dogs in sight 20th to 23rd.
4:30 to 5:30pm There were no dogs at 26th when I looked down from the stairs. Walking west toward Corcoran and back to 26th there were 20 dogs with about 3 on leash.
Monday, December 16, 2013
8:35 a.m. Just watched a dog chase a bird that was trying to feed. High tide now with no dry place at the moment for people to walk so their dogs are on the beach on their own while owners watch from the cliffs or base of the cliffs.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Noon to 3:00 pm I went to the beach to join friends who were coming to have a picnic and celebrate a birthday. I decided to create some sand babies as my gift to my friend on her "birth" day. For some reason, about 1:00, after my sand babies were created, a group of about 10 -12 of the LOOLA folks came onto the beach at the same time, walking their dogs off leash. Since the off leash dogs all wanted to approach my sand sculptures, they had to be leashed as they passed. I didn't see them return but later during the birthday picnic, there were almost too many unleashed dogs to count, including at the rocks to the west in front of the retreat, where the off leash dogs were chasing all birds that attempted to feed.
These birds were trying to feed at the shoreline. Notice in the photo on the right how the human walkers avoid the wet sand, where the birds are feeding. In the photos below, off-leash dogs run into the wet sand and chase the birds. Click on the left photo for an enlargement where you can see the birds beginning to flee from the tide pool rocks as the dog owner looks on.
Friday, December 13, 2013
10:30 am Lots of off leash action this morning between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. An average of 8 dogs continuously - mostly with female owners. Some new dogs - big white husky type running around far away from its owner, a woman with a Great Dane and a boxer, miscellaneous other dogs large and small. Most women with two dogs apiece. Saw the regular man - tall with a grey goatee who runs with a black dog.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
8:55 am Corcoran Lagoon beach had a minimum of 10 off leash dogs.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
1:00 pm There were 18 off leash dogs and 3 on leash at Pleasure Point Beach. Up on the path there were about 5 - 6 unleashed dogs. One was a pit bull on the dirt farm running around and up to the path looking for his owner.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Pleasure Point 12 to 2:30pm There were more than 30 dogs with the smallest ones on leash. At the end of our stay I asked a young man with two big pit bulls to leash his dogs. He asked if I was police and laughed. Another dog attacked a small pug after nearly hitting us as his owner threw the ball from the steps directly at us. When I asked him to leash his dog he told me to mind my own business.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
4:30 - 5:30 pm From 26th to below the Convent then back past Moran and back to 26th, there were 49 dogs with only 12 on leash.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
10:00 - 11:00 am I walked 26th ave to the Convent and back past Moran then back to 26th and I saw 33 dogs of which maybe 8 were on leash. I witnessed a man have to pick up his baby to protect him from a pit bull at Moran.
Friday, November 8, 2013
4:45 - 5:30 pm Forty-seven. 47. That's 47 dogs off leash between Corcoran and Moran nearly to Rockview. Twelve on leash.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
4:45 - 5:35 pm Between Corcoran and just past Moran there were 26 dogs with 5 of them on leash. Near Corcoran a german shepherd ran straight toward me. His owner called him off and said he was sorry. Recognizable, local dog owners continue to violate the leash ordinance. Monte and dog were out at Corcoran as was Jerry at Moran.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
11:00 am Five off leash dogs
4:30 - 5:15 pm Corcoran Lagoon Beach to Moran Lake Beach had 25 dogs, all but three off leash.
4:30 - 5:15 pm Corcoran Lagoon Beach to Moran Lake Beach had 25 dogs, all but three off leash.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
9:30 am At least six off leash dogs visible by Corcoran Lagoon. During the short time it took to walk from Corcoran to 21st Ave, three dogs left and four more arrived. It's like a steady stream of off-leashers lately.
Monday, November 4, 2013
4:40 - 5:40 pm I walked down the stairs at 26th as a man let his large dog off leash in front of me. He had a smaller dog in his arms which he let loose at the bottom of the stairs and then both dogs defecated. As I walked with a friend to 20th and back to Moran and then back to 26th Ave I counted 33 dogs off leash and a few on. My friend and I had to alter our course and jump out of the way of several running dogs.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Noonish Reasonable number of people enjoying the warm sunshine with the bay teeming with wildlife. Encountered two off-leash dogs between 26th and Sunny Cove. One of the dog owners leashed his dog when we were approaching each other at about 100 yards (probably because I had a greenish shirt and hat on), but let the dog off the leash as soon as he passed. He must have thought I could be a member of the dreaded Animal Services.
Friday, November 1, 2013
There were 10 dogs off leash between 5:40 and 6:10 tonight.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
10:30 am A minimum of ten dogs running off-leash between 20th and 23rd. One pack of them running loose out of control, with owners apparently unconcerned.
A couple with three dogs in the back of their truck drove up to the 26th access let their dogs out to run down the stairs and do what we know all dogs do at the beach. They never picked up what their dogs left behind. Below are their dogs:
Monday, October 28, 2013
Between 9:15 and about 9:45 a.m. An average of 8 dogs off leash. One woman had two dogs - one light brown and one black. She picked up some poop and then threw the plastic bag on the sand. I thought she might go back to get it, but she left the beach without picking it up. It was still there - mid beach by a small rock close to 23rd. Another woman came to stand near me while I looked at the marine mammals in the water. Her dog was wandering about, trailing its leash. She tossed her bag of poop at her feet (and my feet) and then tried to begin a conversation about the dolphins. Somehow, I just couldn't enjoy it and I left.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
5:00 pm Between 26th and 19th, I counted twenty-six off leash dogs and three leashed dogs. One group of three pot smoking people with an off leash dog. At 25th I walked into an area where a woman was hurling a ball towards the ocean. Her medium sized dog interrupted it's play to challenge me, causing me to turn and confront it. I don't know if the woman called it, but after about thirty seconds it left me alone. No apology from the woman.
Monday, October 14, 2013
6:40 p.m. to 7:00p.m. sunset. Eight off leash dogs, many of the regulars, including the Weimeraner. There was a woman on the beach with three dogs (2 pugs plus a young, light brown dog that dug a big hole). The woman left the hole, when she walked away.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
10:00 am Cool and somewhat overcast at the beach with the sun trying to break through. On the stretch between 26th Ave and Sunny Cove there were five off-leash dogs and multiple piles of dog feces.....Ugh! Two of the off-leash dog owners had picked up. The rest did not appear to be in a picking up mood.
Monday, September 30, 2013
1:00 - 2:30 pm at 26th Avenue beach area. Eight dogs off leash, including the regular Weimaraner. One dog on leash.
Monday, September 16
9:50 am Eight off leash dogs at Corcoran Lagoon Beach. Animal Control, where are you?
6:20 - 7:00 pm I walked from 26th to 20th and back. I saw 21 dogs off leash and 8 on leash.
6:20 - 7:00 pm I walked from 26th to 20th and back. I saw 21 dogs off leash and 8 on leash.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Morning Only one dog on leash. Eight off-leash dogs (half of which were the usual suspects, including the owner of the Weimaraner (see below)). There were also some willets and plovers along the shoreline with a black long-haired bird dog zooming up and down the beach harassing them.
10:00 - 11:30 am My grandson and I were on the beach early and at first there were no dogs on the beach. He ran and played free with no stress. Then a dog and frisbee arrived and it was all downhill from there with 5 off leash dogs. One owner leashed after his dog ran at my grandson twice.
10:00 - 11:30 am My grandson and I were on the beach early and at first there were no dogs on the beach. He ran and played free with no stress. Then a dog and frisbee arrived and it was all downhill from there with 5 off leash dogs. One owner leashed after his dog ran at my grandson twice.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
7:00 - 7:45 pm I walked from 26th ave stairs to the 20th ave stairs and back. In that time there were 14 dogs off leash and 3 on. When I got to Corcoran Lagoon area a very large weimeraner ran from behind me to about 6 feet in front and began to defecate. I was taking pictures of the sunset so my camera was ready and I took his picture. His owner raced to him and told me to "leave the beach." She was very irate and aggressive and without me saying anything at all she began to call me names (a narcissist, selfish) and told me I was ruining the fun. She asked me to take her picture picking up after her dog who was repeatedly pooping and moving. She came toward me and actually struck me with her ball thrower in my face and camera. She then told me she had barely tapped me. She retreated toward 26th ave and talked with a group of people with dogs at the edge of Corcoran beach.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
9:30 am There were eleven off-leash dogs and none on-leash dogs. Most of the dog owners and their off leash dogs were the regulars who violate the leash law at this time of day. Can't be seen from this photo but there were dogs all along the beach from 20th Ave to 26th Ave. No Animal Services enforcement in sight.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
2:00 - 3:00 pm Below the 26th Avenue stairs there were 2 big off leash dogs chasing their balls. I asked the owner of the large black hot if he would not throw his ball toward us and he complied. The other retriever was going for the 2 seals that were very close to shore. They were inside the surf line about 20 feet out. There were also otters. Further down toward Moran we could see another large dog running loose. There were more dogs off leash toward Corcoran.
Monday, September 2, 2013
7:15 - 8:00 pm I started walking as 3 big off leash dogs came down the stairs at 26th. I continued to the rocks past Corcoran. There were a total of 16 dogs off leash and 2 on leash. There were many people walking without dogs and numerous children. I saw several picnics and family groups. As I walked back up the stairs, I overheard a couple talking about how their picnic had attracted many dogs.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
At the 26th Avenue beach area, a surfer's leash to his board broke and he became separated from it. The board made it to the shore before the surfer. When he retrieved his board an off leash dog bit him on the leg.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
At 9:15 am a man was at the end of 25th Ave. throwing a ball for his dog. A sea otter swam by and so did two seals. One seal was very close - right in back of where the wave rises just before it breaks. The seal raised its head to look at the beach. The dog spotted the seal and swam out after it. The dog swam out quite far and was almost next to the seal when the seal went under water. Afterward the dog kept running, off leash of course, to the edge of the water, head up, looking for the seal.
From 20th to 26th there was a constant parade of dogs - not one on leash. No fewer than 10 at a time - maybe more. Several bags of feces left on the sand - waiting to be picked up after the run? Whatever the reason, it is an irresponsible act as well as a disgusting sight and should not be allowed.
A dog was barking on the beach this morning - constant barking for over half an hour. The owner had the dog on a 100 foot long leash.
Just past noon More than ten dogs off-leash and 3 on-leash dogs. Sunny cove had a good crowd also with no dogs visible. Various piles of dog feces were visible on the sand and rocks.
From 20th to 26th there was a constant parade of dogs - not one on leash. No fewer than 10 at a time - maybe more. Several bags of feces left on the sand - waiting to be picked up after the run? Whatever the reason, it is an irresponsible act as well as a disgusting sight and should not be allowed.
A dog was barking on the beach this morning - constant barking for over half an hour. The owner had the dog on a 100 foot long leash.
Just past noon More than ten dogs off-leash and 3 on-leash dogs. Sunny cove had a good crowd also with no dogs visible. Various piles of dog feces were visible on the sand and rocks.
Saturday, August 31
8:30 a.m I used 20th Ave. stairs which reek of dog urine, esp. on a foggy morning. There were 10 off leash dogs in the 20th Ave. vicinity, including two black labs that barked a lot, eventually joined by a boxer who also barked. which joined in the barking. A couple unleashed their German Shepherd. Another couple with an Aussie mix dog chasing frisbee. It barked in between throws. Several small dogs with women. Two preteen girls with 2 large black dogs. The short red haired woman with the Weimeraner was there, this time keeping her dog on leash. Most of these people walked on down the beach toward Moran and then returned.
Morning Dog owners using the beach for walking their dogs, most off leash. Quite a few dogs this morning, about 13 off-leash and 3 on-leash, plus a new "bird dog" (the kind that the owner allows to harass shorebirds).
Morning Dog owners using the beach for walking their dogs, most off leash. Quite a few dogs this morning, about 13 off-leash and 3 on-leash, plus a new "bird dog" (the kind that the owner allows to harass shorebirds).
Friday, August 30, 2013
9:30 am Between 21st and 23rd Avenues Six dogs (from two dog owners) were off leash. One of the man's four dogs had chased off five birds just before I took this picture. This is wildlife disturbance and harassment on the shoreline of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Morning
Eight dogs off leash, one on leash and one actively chasing birds. I am noticing more birds trying to use the beach, with the dogs making their efforts difficult. Must be beginning of migratory bird season as well as the addition of maturing fledged birds from the nesting season that ended late last month. The birds use the shoreline and the rocky areas.
Eight dogs off leash, one on leash and one actively chasing birds. I am noticing more birds trying to use the beach, with the dogs making their efforts difficult. Must be beginning of migratory bird season as well as the addition of maturing fledged birds from the nesting season that ended late last month. The birds use the shoreline and the rocky areas.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Morning Dog owners along the shoreline. Best estimate today was 11 dogs off-leash, none on-leash, counting was difficult due to the fog. However, there was an unusual number of "bird dogs" today chasing the various birds trying to feed along the shoreline. About half of the dogs were the regulars, who consistently violate the County leash law.
Monday, August 26, 2013
6:15 pm Thirteen dog off leash, 2 on leash. My neighbor reported that her weekend guests had their puppy with them on the beach, correctly leashed.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Noon Plenty of families on the beach both at Sunny Cove and on the stretch from Corcoran to Moran Lake. There were at least about ten dogs running loose by Corcoran Lagoon. There were about another half a dozen that were on leash or lying down by their owners. In the attached photo some of the off-leash dogs are visible. The two dogs in the right corner had just chased the gulls down toward us when I took the photo....their owner was calling them back.
The number of dog dropped piles along our path were too numerous to count. In one case an off-leash dog did a feces drop nearby with no owner in sight and it's probably still sitting there waiting for an unsuspecting child to step in it.
The number of dog dropped piles along our path were too numerous to count. In one case an off-leash dog did a feces drop nearby with no owner in sight and it's probably still sitting there waiting for an unsuspecting child to step in it.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
9:00 am Quite a few walkers and joggers present between Moran Lake and Corcoran Lagoon, most with dogs. The name "dog beach" comes to mind with 18 off-leash dogs and only 3 on-leash. Half of the off-leashers were regular violators of the leash law, the remainder probably visitors. I had to ward off two dogs that approached as I was unsure what they were going to do. Another of the off-leash dogs was chasing the seagulls to and fro. Sunny cove had three large off-leash dogs, one of which had interest in a pelican near the shore, but the pelican swam away safely. An otter garnered the attention of one of the off-leashers and it started swimming out by the rock shelf, but the otter swam to deeper water.
5:45 - 6:15 p.m. 100 or more people spread out from 23rd to 19th. Small and large groups seen from 23rd to 26th. Five off-leash dogs, two dogs on leash.
5:45 - 6:15 p.m. 100 or more people spread out from 23rd to 19th. Small and large groups seen from 23rd to 26th. Five off-leash dogs, two dogs on leash.
Friday, August 23, 2013
5:15 - 5:45 pm Corcoran Lagoon beach (23rd Avenue) Seven off-leash dogs, two on-leash.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Morning Eight off-leash dogs (four regulars) and two on-leash dogs (visitors).
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Relatively large numbers of people on the beach (Sunday). At least a dozen dogs present with four of them appropriately leashed. There was one mixed breed dog that went running up and down the beach chasing the shorebirds with the owner yelling constantly for him to return when saw me taking photos. The dog was at least a hundred yards away from the owner at times and certainly not under any control. My photos were not very good as it was difficult to see the birds. I don't think he ever got control of the dog while I was there.
Saturday, August 17, 013
At 26th avenue beach area. Six off-leash dogs with one, in particular, a long way from its owner making a drop. The only person nearby was a boy with a boogie board who appeared to be related to the owner. The boy called to his mom who came over and took a quick look for the drop but quickly retreated to her beach chair. Also among the off-leashers was the guy with the long beard and barking black lab. There were a couple of on-leash dogs when I went by but who knows how long they would remain that way. Dog control is drifting to zero.
Friday, August 16
A guy was jogging with two off leash dogs. One of them defecated right on the edge of the water. Waves immediately came crashing in, washing over the pile, The guy took out a bag and tried VERY hard to pick up, but to no avail.
About 5:15 pm Another man was jogging with his off leash dog struggling along behind. The dog stopped twice to try to defecate, but the owner was 300 feet ahead and was unaware of what was happening behind him.
About 5:15 pm Another man was jogging with his off leash dog struggling along behind. The dog stopped twice to try to defecate, but the owner was 300 feet ahead and was unaware of what was happening behind him.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
11:00 am. Off leash dogs, at 21st Avenue access point. The two large dogs followed the small dog all the way to the access point but turned around and went back to their owners who were 250 feet away.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Morning.
My grandson and I arrived at Moran Lagoon and there were no dogs at all at 9:40am. Almost immediately an off leash young black lab came and pooped twice very near us. The owner didn't see the second one and I brought it to her attention. Then a large blond lab came off leash and they started tearing around the beach too close to us. I asked them to please leash their dogs. They didn't leash but moved toward 26th Ave yelling "good morning" in a nasty way. We stayed at the beach until 10:45 leaving up the 26th Ave stairs. In that time of about an hour we counted 20 off leash dogs and 9 small children from Moran to 26th. I'm discouraged as this is the first time in so long that we really ran in the water and played at the beach and it was no different. By the time we left at 10:45 most of the young children were gone and it was starting to get really hot. Early off leash hours is a terrible idea because that is "small children time." Afternoon off leash hours are really bad for the same reason. Dogs should be leashed all hours of the day.
3:30 PM
I went swimming at the rocks on the east side of Corcoran beach at 3:30pm. The off leash problem is huge now. There were dogs every minute running over us and around us - in the water and at the rocks. Lots of defecating and shaking off and walking on us. At one point my daughter told a woman with 2 pit bulls "leash laws are strictly enforced on this beach" and they leashed right up. They are all afraid of fines.
4:30 PM
Same type of experience for me tonight at the 23rd Avenue beach at 4:30-6:00 pm. Steady stream of dogs - all urinating on a sandcastle that I made the mistake of sitting next to. The owners are oblivious. To them urine is nothing. How would they like it if I urinated next to them? When I was waist deep in water I turned around and there was a black lab swimming up to my back. The owners thought that was funny and when I said the dog should be on leash they only smiled and did not put it on leash.
My grandson and I arrived at Moran Lagoon and there were no dogs at all at 9:40am. Almost immediately an off leash young black lab came and pooped twice very near us. The owner didn't see the second one and I brought it to her attention. Then a large blond lab came off leash and they started tearing around the beach too close to us. I asked them to please leash their dogs. They didn't leash but moved toward 26th Ave yelling "good morning" in a nasty way. We stayed at the beach until 10:45 leaving up the 26th Ave stairs. In that time of about an hour we counted 20 off leash dogs and 9 small children from Moran to 26th. I'm discouraged as this is the first time in so long that we really ran in the water and played at the beach and it was no different. By the time we left at 10:45 most of the young children were gone and it was starting to get really hot. Early off leash hours is a terrible idea because that is "small children time." Afternoon off leash hours are really bad for the same reason. Dogs should be leashed all hours of the day.
3:30 PM
I went swimming at the rocks on the east side of Corcoran beach at 3:30pm. The off leash problem is huge now. There were dogs every minute running over us and around us - in the water and at the rocks. Lots of defecating and shaking off and walking on us. At one point my daughter told a woman with 2 pit bulls "leash laws are strictly enforced on this beach" and they leashed right up. They are all afraid of fines.
4:30 PM
Same type of experience for me tonight at the 23rd Avenue beach at 4:30-6:00 pm. Steady stream of dogs - all urinating on a sandcastle that I made the mistake of sitting next to. The owners are oblivious. To them urine is nothing. How would they like it if I urinated next to them? When I was waist deep in water I turned around and there was a black lab swimming up to my back. The owners thought that was funny and when I said the dog should be on leash they only smiled and did not put it on leash.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
11.00 am Seven off leash dogs between 26th and 23rd. The seven dogs were with three people. These two had four of the seven dogs.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Morning report
Small number of people but lots of dogs off-leash. The off-leash count: 1 at Sunny Cove, 3 on the rock shelf by 18th, a dozen or more on the stretch between Corcoran Lagoon and Moran Lake. Only one dog on-leash. There were a number of regulars present today (the old fellow that sits on a log with 2 dogs, the lady with the English accent and always wears pink boots with her dog, Jerry and his black lab, and the professional dog walker with only her two dogs (usually she has four but she hasn't been attending much lately).
Small number of people but lots of dogs off-leash. The off-leash count: 1 at Sunny Cove, 3 on the rock shelf by 18th, a dozen or more on the stretch between Corcoran Lagoon and Moran Lake. Only one dog on-leash. There were a number of regulars present today (the old fellow that sits on a log with 2 dogs, the lady with the English accent and always wears pink boots with her dog, Jerry and his black lab, and the professional dog walker with only her two dogs (usually she has four but she hasn't been attending much lately).
At 24th Avenue beach, while we were talking, an off leash dalmatian came over and checked us out, the owner casually strolling along the beach, leaving his dog behind. The woman said to me "Look at him, he has no idea what his dog is up to."
Monday, August 12, 2013
5:15- 4:45 p.m.
Eleven off leash dogs. Three urinated on a sand castle near me.
Eleven off leash dogs. Three urinated on a sand castle near me.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
4:45-5:30 p.m.
I observed a leashed boxer being sniffed and then barked at by a small white off-leash bulldog. The bulldog's owner watched for a few minutes before calling off his dog. The boxer's owner kept his dog tightly at his side, covering its eyes when the other began to bark. The off leash bulldog and its owner continued down the beach and then the bull dog ran up to and circled a young dog also off-leash. When they began to rough each other up the bull dog owner called his dog and the owner of the other dog picked it up, then set it down, where upon it ran over and jumped on two girls who were sitting on a towel. The owner came over and picked it up. Several other off leash dogs were on the beach. I asked one man to leash his dog and he said, "Thank You" and didn't.
I observed a leashed boxer being sniffed and then barked at by a small white off-leash bulldog. The bulldog's owner watched for a few minutes before calling off his dog. The boxer's owner kept his dog tightly at his side, covering its eyes when the other began to bark. The off leash bulldog and its owner continued down the beach and then the bull dog ran up to and circled a young dog also off-leash. When they began to rough each other up the bull dog owner called his dog and the owner of the other dog picked it up, then set it down, where upon it ran over and jumped on two girls who were sitting on a towel. The owner came over and picked it up. Several other off leash dogs were on the beach. I asked one man to leash his dog and he said, "Thank You" and didn't.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
3:00 - 4:00 pm
Sky was clear and very windy it looked like a nice day to sit against the rocks to watch the terns fishing. It was peaceful, a few couples and one family with three small children aged two to four, four on leash dogs and one off leash dachshund which was passing by. I was thinking that it was just like old times, no dogs cocking their legs a foot from my head and no dog bombs being released in front of me.
Just before I left, a woman arrived with two on leash dogs and a ball thrower in her back pack. She stopped ten feet before she got to the three children and let her two terrier sized dogs off the leash. The dogs knew what to do and trotted around the children and stopped about twenty feet past them. Now Ms Off-leasher is ready to hurl the ball which she promptly does. Unfortunately she didn't have a good aim and hit one of the four year old girls on the head from ten feet a way and it bounced vertically ten feet in the air. Scared look on the girl's face, profuse apologies from thrower which were not understood by the non English speaking family.
Sky was clear and very windy it looked like a nice day to sit against the rocks to watch the terns fishing. It was peaceful, a few couples and one family with three small children aged two to four, four on leash dogs and one off leash dachshund which was passing by. I was thinking that it was just like old times, no dogs cocking their legs a foot from my head and no dog bombs being released in front of me.
Just before I left, a woman arrived with two on leash dogs and a ball thrower in her back pack. She stopped ten feet before she got to the three children and let her two terrier sized dogs off the leash. The dogs knew what to do and trotted around the children and stopped about twenty feet past them. Now Ms Off-leasher is ready to hurl the ball which she promptly does. Unfortunately she didn't have a good aim and hit one of the four year old girls on the head from ten feet a way and it bounced vertically ten feet in the air. Scared look on the girl's face, profuse apologies from thrower which were not understood by the non English speaking family.
Friday, August 9, 2013
6:30 pm I walked the beach from 26th ave stairs to 17th ave cliffs starting at 6:30. There were many children playing on the beach and in the water. I counted 12 children under 8 and many teens and families. There were 8 off leash dogs and 1 small dog on leash.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Morning. Thirteen off-leash dogs (five regulars) and only one on-leash dog between Corcoran Lagoon and Moran Lake. There was a group of about four families with little children. I was approached by two dogs, one a rottweiler with a smart-ass owner, the other was called off quickly by the owner.
26th Avenue Evening Observations
In the last few weeks with the sun still setting late, I've noticed an increased number of people with dogs showing up at the beach for their off-leash strolls about 8:00 to 8:30 pm. Most of these people are locals I recognize that have changed their habits to "dodge the ranger."
In the last few weeks with the sun still setting late, I've noticed an increased number of people with dogs showing up at the beach for their off-leash strolls about 8:00 to 8:30 pm. Most of these people are locals I recognize that have changed their habits to "dodge the ranger."
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
At the shore between 10:30 am to 11:45 am There were five off-leash dogs; one on-leash. No birds, due to the dogs.
One off-leash black dog was barking incessantly while the owner just sat there. The dog stopped barking only when the owner got up to walk off the beach. The owner did not leash the dog when they got to East Cliff and walked across the road and down the path beside the Corcoran Lagoon towards Portola.
One off-leash black dog was barking incessantly while the owner just sat there. The dog stopped barking only when the owner got up to walk off the beach. The owner did not leash the dog when they got to East Cliff and walked across the road and down the path beside the Corcoran Lagoon towards Portola.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
A larger crowd of people today with many more dogs on the beach between Corcoran Lagoon and Moran Lake. There were at least 14 off-leash dogs and 2 on-leash dogs.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
August 6, 2013 Morning
Lots of dogs today on the beach: There were two "on-leash" in Sunny Cove with no one holding the leashes. There were ten more dogs off-leash near Corcoran Lagoon and only one on-leash. A couple of minor incidents occurred where owners had to pull dogs apart....definitely not a peaceful stroll.
Lots of dogs today on the beach: There were two "on-leash" in Sunny Cove with no one holding the leashes. There were ten more dogs off-leash near Corcoran Lagoon and only one on-leash. A couple of minor incidents occurred where owners had to pull dogs apart....definitely not a peaceful stroll.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Noon Six off-leash dogs were visible and only one on-leash. There was a good crowd of people in the Sunny Cove area and only one small dog. There were gulls and a few curlews feeding along the shoreline as well as a contingent of crows as the number of dogs present was low and they were spread out.
3:15 pm In front of apartments, 20th Ave to 23rd Ave beach. About 100 people, no off leash dogs, three on leash dogs.
3:15 pm In front of apartments, 20th Ave to 23rd Ave beach. About 100 people, no off leash dogs, three on leash dogs.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
About 10:00 am I saw a few curlews feeding along the shore in the spaces between the dogs. Only a few people enjoying the beach without dogs. There were seven dogs off-leash (including those of regular violators of the leash law). No dogs on-leash. A group of three owners with black labs off-leash were sort of minding their dogs as we passed when one of the dogs took a strong interest in us and keep trying to pull on clothing. The owner finally dragged it off (so much for voice control).
Friday, July 26, 2013
The owner of a VW van parked on 26th Ave next to a private residence and opened the van side door. Two dogs came rushing out. Both came running onto the property because neither was leashed. One dog ran up the stairs and peed on the front doorstep of the residence. The other dog ran into the garage where the homeowner was working and was as startled as the resident. The dog started snarling and barking. The resident yelled loudly to chase them off (meanwhile the owner and his friend were still at the van, oblivious). The resident told the owner to get his dogs leashed to no avail, as the owner had no voice control over these animals. He eventually got the black and white one leashed and had to chase the other one down the street as it was headed to the ocean.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Morning Eleven off-leash dogs, multiple piles of excrement including one that was brought to the owner's attention. She said she'd pick it up on the way back. It is still there. No on-leash dogs in sight, and there were two more dogs headed to the 26th access. The owners had ball-throwers, ready to let their dogs off leash.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
About 10:00 am Nine off-leash dogs and zero on-leash dogs. As I was exiting on 26th, there were two more owners with dogs on-leash but carrying ball throwers....you can bet they were off the leash in the next few minutes.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Off leash dogs in Corcoran Lagoon outflow, chasing a freesbie thrown in the water by the dog owner.
Corcoran Lagoon, and the entire beach at the outflow, is designated Critical Habitat for the endangered Tidewater Goby by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Past Noon Seven dogs off-leash and 3 on-leash. No birds along the shoreline but lots of pelicans and gulls out in the water.
Corcoran Lagoon, and the entire beach at the outflow, is designated Critical Habitat for the endangered Tidewater Goby by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Past Noon Seven dogs off-leash and 3 on-leash. No birds along the shoreline but lots of pelicans and gulls out in the water.
Friday, July 19, 2013
These young sandpipers were feeding near the bridge on the Corcoran Lagoon outflow.
When I was taking these pictures a couple came past walking towards the ocean with a pit bull. The woman wanted to let the dog off its leash. The last word I heard from the man was "Fine, you get the ticket."
When I was taking these pictures a couple came past walking towards the ocean with a pit bull. The woman wanted to let the dog off its leash. The last word I heard from the man was "Fine, you get the ticket."
Thursday, July 18, 2013
About 10:00 am Twelve dogs off-leash, one on-leash, and one that became an on-leash after a disagreement with an off-leash. Sunny Cove had only birds feeding, as there were no dogs present. Plenty of dolphin sightings from shore, and pelicans grabbing some meals.
Wardens look into death of endangered plover
Tuesday, July 15, 2013
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.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
About 11:00 am Overcast, tide coming in. Sunny Cove was devoid of dogs and people, just the birds enjoying their time there. From Sunny Cove to Moran Lake, there were eleven dogs off-leash, four dogs on-leash. One couple with two off-leash dogs had a large Weimaraner that kept approaching us too close. I told the owner he should put the dog on a leash, and he replied: "Take your girlfriend to another beach," in a nasty manner.
At Moran Lagoon about 6:15 pm There were about 6 groups of people on the beach, mostly families, with 6 young children playing at the waterline. There was one dog on leash.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Early Morning A man with two off-leash dogs was in front of the apartment complex west of Corcoran Lagoon outflow, having a smoke, I was taking pictures of birds until his unleashed Golden Retriever went in the lagoon and scared them all away. He exited the beach at the blue outhouse and failed to leash one of his dogs as they walked westward on East Cliff. ACS needs to get down there before 9:00 am, the dogs there then are a detriment to the birds.
Early afternoon Kennolyn Camps had a horde of children near Corcoran Lagoon. There were only a modest number of other people on the stretch from 26th to Sunny Cove, but lots of people in Sunny Cove getting away from the stiff breeze. A total of six dogs, four off-leash.
5:00 pm The wind has dropped considerably, the tide is going out and the temperature is going up. Although I did not go down to the beach, there were a dozen dogs (at least) off-leash that passed my house in the last few hours. Some were on-leash as they passed but their owners had ball-throwers and the dogs returned wet. This is the time of day for ACS to take stock of the situation. With this area getting the moniker of "dog beach," its going to take a long time to educate all the visitors.
Early afternoon Kennolyn Camps had a horde of children near Corcoran Lagoon. There were only a modest number of other people on the stretch from 26th to Sunny Cove, but lots of people in Sunny Cove getting away from the stiff breeze. A total of six dogs, four off-leash.
5:00 pm The wind has dropped considerably, the tide is going out and the temperature is going up. Although I did not go down to the beach, there were a dozen dogs (at least) off-leash that passed my house in the last few hours. Some were on-leash as they passed but their owners had ball-throwers and the dogs returned wet. This is the time of day for ACS to take stock of the situation. With this area getting the moniker of "dog beach," its going to take a long time to educate all the visitors.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Noon
Only a few people present along the stretch from 26th Ave to Sunny Cove. Sunny Cove, however, was well populated with people and no dogs visible. In the area near the outflow of Corcoran Lagoon, there were three dogs off-leash and one on-leash with no ACS personnel in view. One of the off-leash dogs was a border collie and incessantly ran up and down the beach at the water line chasing birds.
Only a few people present along the stretch from 26th Ave to Sunny Cove. Sunny Cove, however, was well populated with people and no dogs visible. In the area near the outflow of Corcoran Lagoon, there were three dogs off-leash and one on-leash with no ACS personnel in view. One of the off-leash dogs was a border collie and incessantly ran up and down the beach at the water line chasing birds.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
11:00 am There was a flock of pelicans feeding just off shore and some dolphins in the vicinity and only a few birds along the tideline. There were 2 off-leash dogs at Sunny Cove and 9 off-leash dogs between Sunny Cove and Moran Lake. Only one dog on leash.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Morning
Overcast morning with some groups of kids enjoying the beach except for the eight dogs running around off-leash and one on-leash. A leader of the LOOLA group was there, with his dog off leash, as usual. One of the other off-leashers little dog came running up snarling and barking. The owner was yelling "Bentley," to no avail. I had to ward it off with my trekking pole. Irritating end to what was otherwise a peaceful walk along the water.
Overcast morning with some groups of kids enjoying the beach except for the eight dogs running around off-leash and one on-leash. A leader of the LOOLA group was there, with his dog off leash, as usual. One of the other off-leashers little dog came running up snarling and barking. The owner was yelling "Bentley," to no avail. I had to ward it off with my trekking pole. Irritating end to what was otherwise a peaceful walk along the water.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Morning
Counted 9 dogs on the beach. Three of the dogs were on leash (I'm counting the woman who carries her dog as an on-leasher). The other 6 were quite interesting. Some were off-leash until we got close and then they leashed their dogs, others were on-leash for a while, then the owner would let them off-leash and throw a ball for them a few times and then back on-leash. Two were definitely off-leash all the time.
Counted 9 dogs on the beach. Three of the dogs were on leash (I'm counting the woman who carries her dog as an on-leasher). The other 6 were quite interesting. Some were off-leash until we got close and then they leashed their dogs, others were on-leash for a while, then the owner would let them off-leash and throw a ball for them a few times and then back on-leash. Two were definitely off-leash all the time.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Sunny with a light breeze shortly after noon with the tide high. Modest number of people on the beach between 26th and Sunny Cove. An ACS officer was on patrol and almost all dogs (less than 10) were on-leash. There was a couple with two dogs (originally off-leash) that were officially cited or being warned. Their dogs were on leash as I passed. From their behavior, some of the dogs on-leash seemed annoyed at being on-leash at the beach. There were 3 off-leash dogs at Sunny Cove. An enjoyable walk along the beach with an ACS officer in view.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Partly sunny day, near high tide at about 1:00 PM. A sparser crowd than usual for a Saturday noontime and only 2 dogs off-leash and 2 dogs on-leash. The owners with their off-leash dogs left in a hurry, however, as there was an Animal Control Officer on patrol near 20th.
Friday, July 5, 2013
8:00 am
The Killdeer seems to have made it through last night's commotion, sitting on the nest at 8:00 am this morning. The extra 4th of July plastic fencing installed by the Sheriff along East Cliff may have helped to dissuade foot traffic near the exclosure.
ACS patrols between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm do not seem to achieve any purpose except to send the message to casual visitors that the beach is not a dog beach. The regulars still go down in the morning hours and disturb the birds at the shoreline and at the lagoon.
The Killdeer seems to have made it through last night's commotion, sitting on the nest at 8:00 am this morning. The extra 4th of July plastic fencing installed by the Sheriff along East Cliff may have helped to dissuade foot traffic near the exclosure.
ACS patrols between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm do not seem to achieve any purpose except to send the message to casual visitors that the beach is not a dog beach. The regulars still go down in the morning hours and disturb the birds at the shoreline and at the lagoon.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
10:00 am
Corcoran Lagoon was fenced off with orange fencing which should help keep people and dogs away from the nest. As for dogs, I lost count at 13 off-leash and only 3 on-leash. There are unleashed dogs running around everywhere.
8:30 pm
Because there had been fireworks near the Killdeer nest exclosure on the night of the 3rd, this morning I checked the birds at 6:00 am. The male and the female were off the nest feeding. There were four off leash dogs being walked close to the ocean. I checked again at 8:00 am and one of the birds was back on the nest. I checked the nest again at 8:30 pm this evening and one bird was on the nest. A sheriff's deputy with his dog was walked around the cordon on the way back to his car. I asked him if he was catching anyone. He said some but there are so many they can't catch them all.
Corcoran Lagoon was fenced off with orange fencing which should help keep people and dogs away from the nest. As for dogs, I lost count at 13 off-leash and only 3 on-leash. There are unleashed dogs running around everywhere.
8:30 pm
Because there had been fireworks near the Killdeer nest exclosure on the night of the 3rd, this morning I checked the birds at 6:00 am. The male and the female were off the nest feeding. There were four off leash dogs being walked close to the ocean. I checked again at 8:00 am and one of the birds was back on the nest. I checked the nest again at 8:30 pm this evening and one bird was on the nest. A sheriff's deputy with his dog was walked around the cordon on the way back to his car. I asked him if he was catching anyone. He said some but there are so many they can't catch them all.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
11:30 AM
"Dogs Must Be On-Leash" signs have not been replaced at Pleasure Point. No dogs on the tiny beach, due to high tide. Half a dozen dogs on the path, all on-leash.
Moran Lake beach was packed with people... and only two dogs... on leash!
26th Avenue beach was narrow due to high tide. A couple decanted from their car, along with their two dogs... on-leash. They paused at the top of the stairs, reached down to unleash their dogs. I pointed to the sign and intoned, "Did you see the sign?" "Oh, do they give tickets?" the male of the species queried. "You bet," I replied, straight-faced. "They patrol every day." "So you can't predict when they come here," he continued. "Nope," says I, "They'll come just about anytime." The couple bent down and leashed their dogs. The gentleman looked up and smiled. "Thanks for the tip!"
Corcoran Lagoon beach was almost empty. A woman arrived with canid in tow, unleashed him at the bottom of the stairs and proceeded across the sand. A couple moseyed down the surf line, with their Scotty dog wandering all over the dry sand. Eventually the wee thing smelled the face of an unsuspecting sun worshipper, and walked across her and her beach blanket, as its owners continued uncomprehending down the beach.
"Dogs Must Be On-Leash" signs have not been replaced at Pleasure Point. No dogs on the tiny beach, due to high tide. Half a dozen dogs on the path, all on-leash.
Moran Lake beach was packed with people... and only two dogs... on leash!
26th Avenue beach was narrow due to high tide. A couple decanted from their car, along with their two dogs... on-leash. They paused at the top of the stairs, reached down to unleash their dogs. I pointed to the sign and intoned, "Did you see the sign?" "Oh, do they give tickets?" the male of the species queried. "You bet," I replied, straight-faced. "They patrol every day." "So you can't predict when they come here," he continued. "Nope," says I, "They'll come just about anytime." The couple bent down and leashed their dogs. The gentleman looked up and smiled. "Thanks for the tip!"
Corcoran Lagoon beach was almost empty. A woman arrived with canid in tow, unleashed him at the bottom of the stairs and proceeded across the sand. A couple moseyed down the surf line, with their Scotty dog wandering all over the dry sand. Eventually the wee thing smelled the face of an unsuspecting sun worshipper, and walked across her and her beach blanket, as its owners continued uncomprehending down the beach.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Before 10:00 am There were 8 off leash dogs on the beach (compared to 2 on leash). A regular violator of the leash law (name deliberately withheld) was there. Sometimes his dog is on leash, sometimes off leash, due to concern about a citation and fine.
Monday, July 1, 2013
At 2:10 p.m. there were 65 people on the beach and 2 off leash dogs. There were people in family groups, couples and a few teens.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
11:30 am
I was on 23rd Ave beach, when 150 children from a camp came onto the beach (50% American and 50% International). When I went over to talk to them, one of the staff told me that he was "on dog turd duty." He was Irish, and was busy digging a hole a foot deep to bury the heap that we were standing next to. He had brought a shovel specifically for that purpose.
I was on 23rd Ave beach, when 150 children from a camp came onto the beach (50% American and 50% International). When I went over to talk to them, one of the staff told me that he was "on dog turd duty." He was Irish, and was busy digging a hole a foot deep to bury the heap that we were standing next to. He had brought a shovel specifically for that purpose.
Noon
Beautiful day, lots of people and unfortunately quite a few dogs off-leash. There were four on-leash, one of which I had convinced the owner earlier to put it on a leash as there were many children around. She did keep the dog on a leash and she picked up after it defecated.
There were seven dogs off-leash between Sunny Cove and the 26th Ave access. There were also two sheriff patrol cars parked on 26th with two deputies at the top of the access stairs asking questions about what might be contained in the myriad of ice chests being carted to the beach. The sheriff's patrol cars on 26th resulted in a number of vehicles with dogs leaning out the windows that immediately turned around.
Beautiful day, lots of people and unfortunately quite a few dogs off-leash. There were four on-leash, one of which I had convinced the owner earlier to put it on a leash as there were many children around. She did keep the dog on a leash and she picked up after it defecated.
There were seven dogs off-leash between Sunny Cove and the 26th Ave access. There were also two sheriff patrol cars parked on 26th with two deputies at the top of the access stairs asking questions about what might be contained in the myriad of ice chests being carted to the beach. The sheriff's patrol cars on 26th resulted in a number of vehicles with dogs leaning out the windows that immediately turned around.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
1:00 pm
Large numbers of people including families with little children on the beach between 26th and Sunny Cove. There were six dogs off-leash and two on-leash. One of the off-leash dogs aggressively approached an on-leash dog and the owner released her dog to let it fend for itself. Sad, how one off-leash owner can create a negative situation.
Large numbers of people including families with little children on the beach between 26th and Sunny Cove. There were six dogs off-leash and two on-leash. One of the off-leash dogs aggressively approached an on-leash dog and the owner released her dog to let it fend for itself. Sad, how one off-leash owner can create a negative situation.
3:30-4:15
Corcoran Lagoon beach - 100 or more people on the beach.
My son, grandson and I decided to try Corcoran Lagoon beach. We don't usually go there because of the dogs. Two girls, about 6 feet away from our beach spot, sat down with a leashed pit mix which barked periodically. There was a large group of young people below the cliffs at the ocean end of 23rd. They had 1 off-leash dog which they ignored. It continually left them to pursue other dogs, on leash and off leash. It and other off leash dogs ran close to us while investigating each other. There was a continuous trail of off leash dogs at water’s edge including a mastiff.
The mastiff was more than twice as large as my 4 year old grandson. I couldn’t allow my grandson to continue to play in the surf line with that dog and the other off leash dogs sniffing around it. The mastiff approached and frightened 2 on leash young pit bulls. Very disturbing as we didn’t know if they would begin to fight. I couldn’t allow my grandson to continue to play in the surf line with that dog and the other off leash dogs sniffing around it. It is hard to enjoy the beach when you have to keep constant watch, so we left.
Corcoran Lagoon beach - 100 or more people on the beach.
My son, grandson and I decided to try Corcoran Lagoon beach. We don't usually go there because of the dogs. Two girls, about 6 feet away from our beach spot, sat down with a leashed pit mix which barked periodically. There was a large group of young people below the cliffs at the ocean end of 23rd. They had 1 off-leash dog which they ignored. It continually left them to pursue other dogs, on leash and off leash. It and other off leash dogs ran close to us while investigating each other. There was a continuous trail of off leash dogs at water’s edge including a mastiff.
The mastiff was more than twice as large as my 4 year old grandson. I couldn’t allow my grandson to continue to play in the surf line with that dog and the other off leash dogs sniffing around it. The mastiff approached and frightened 2 on leash young pit bulls. Very disturbing as we didn’t know if they would begin to fight. I couldn’t allow my grandson to continue to play in the surf line with that dog and the other off leash dogs sniffing around it. It is hard to enjoy the beach when you have to keep constant watch, so we left.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
8:15 pm - 8:50 pm
Total of people 87, including many children. Total of surfers in the water 32. Total dogs off leash, 14. Total dogs on leash, 4.
Total of people 87, including many children. Total of surfers in the water 32. Total dogs off leash, 14. Total dogs on leash, 4.
Beautiful, warm day at the beach near low tide about 9:30 am. I counted eleven off-leash and only one small dog on-leash between Sunny Cove and Moran Lake. There was also the woman who spends most of her walk with her small dog in her arms due to fears associated with large dogs running amok -- I didn't take this one into account.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
12:25 pm At the 26th ave stairs: Family with 2 children under 10 years old on narrow beach. A dog owner arrived let the dog off leash at the bottom of the stairs. Within 5 minutes ACS arrived and headed down the stairs. Farther east, there were many children at the beach and at least two more off leash dogs at Moran.
2:40 to 3:00 pm During a walk from 23rd to 26th we saw two on leash dogs and farther along we saw a group of people with two off leash pit bulls getting a ticket or warning.
5:55 pm Bull mastiff off leash on the beach.
2:40 to 3:00 pm During a walk from 23rd to 26th we saw two on leash dogs and farther along we saw a group of people with two off leash pit bulls getting a ticket or warning.
5:55 pm Bull mastiff off leash on the beach.
Friday, June 21, 2013
At 2:15 pm a young guy took his dog out onto the beach, off leash, and stayed just long enough for the dog to defecate in the lagoon.
Afternoon
An AC officer parked in front of my house and spent some time down on the beach. One woman who spotted the officer must have coaxed her dog into my neighbor's bushes in the interim. She then asked if I had some rope for a makeshift leash. I told her no and she proceeded back into the private property. She exited after the AC officer had left. It looked like she had taken some vines or something to make a leash. There's no end to the people who come here without leashes for their dogs.
An AC officer parked in front of my house and spent some time down on the beach. One woman who spotted the officer must have coaxed her dog into my neighbor's bushes in the interim. She then asked if I had some rope for a makeshift leash. I told her no and she proceeded back into the private property. She exited after the AC officer had left. It looked like she had taken some vines or something to make a leash. There's no end to the people who come here without leashes for their dogs.
5:00 - 8:00 pm
The area directly below the 20th ave stairs and to the right and left about 200 feet. There were at least 45 dogs off leash, and maybe 3 dogs on leash. We were having a beach party and an off leash Weimaraner kept sniffing our food tables and had to be watched carefully. There was no owner in sight.
The area directly below the 20th ave stairs and to the right and left about 200 feet. There were at least 45 dogs off leash, and maybe 3 dogs on leash. We were having a beach party and an off leash Weimaraner kept sniffing our food tables and had to be watched carefully. There was no owner in sight.
At 8:00 pm there were 62 people between 23rd Ave and the west end of the apartments. A few more over near 20th. I would guess over 80 by the time I arrived home. Three off leash dogs. There was a guy sitting near 23rd Ave beach, playing a harmonica. He had a shaggy collie type dog which wandered over the entire beach area. It's pile of poop was not picked up. At times the dog was over 350 feet from the owner.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Beautiful clear day with a slight breeze. Plenty of off-leash dogs. The fencing and caution tape were doing their job of keeping the dog walkers away from the Killdeer nest.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Early morning
Beautiful day with lots of sun and a small breeze. Ten people with ten off-leash dogs, scattered from Sunny Cove to Moran Lake.
Beautiful day with lots of sun and a small breeze. Ten people with ten off-leash dogs, scattered from Sunny Cove to Moran Lake.
Monday, June 17, 2013
5:15 pm
Beautiful evening, high tide, not much room on the beach. At the bottom of the 26th Ave. stairs there were three off leash dogs running around. Two children played on the rocks to stay away from the dogs. A woman with an on leash dog descended the stairs; after two or three minutes she gave up and departed the beach, leaving the three off leash dogs there. A few minutes later the off leash dogs and their owners also left the beach. A couple came down the stairs with an on leash dog and when I left they were enjoying a peaceful evening.
Beautiful evening, high tide, not much room on the beach. At the bottom of the 26th Ave. stairs there were three off leash dogs running around. Two children played on the rocks to stay away from the dogs. A woman with an on leash dog descended the stairs; after two or three minutes she gave up and departed the beach, leaving the three off leash dogs there. A few minutes later the off leash dogs and their owners also left the beach. A couple came down the stairs with an on leash dog and when I left they were enjoying a peaceful evening.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
It started off as a peaceful walk to Sunny Cove from 26th, lots of people and only a few dogs, perhaps three off-leash and three on-leash. On the return, however, near 23rd Ave two little dogs came running out from their owners who were sitting on the rocks and started barking and snarling at us. I had to fend one of the dogs off with my trekking pole while the owners scrambled to corral the dogs. When I told them that the dogs are supposed to be on a leash, the guy retorted "we didn't bring any." Certainly ruined the peacefulness.
5:00 pm
When I arrived at the bottom of the 26th Avenue steps there was a big commotion occurring. Parents shouting, three children aged 3 to 8 screaming and two adults, sitting down, trying to call two rambunctious Australian Shepherds to come. Evidently the children had sticks in their hands and the dogs had run over and grabbed them from the children.
When I arrived at the bottom of the 26th Avenue steps there was a big commotion occurring. Parents shouting, three children aged 3 to 8 screaming and two adults, sitting down, trying to call two rambunctious Australian Shepherds to come. Evidently the children had sticks in their hands and the dogs had run over and grabbed them from the children.
5:45- 6:30 p.m.
There were 23 people and no dogs at 19th Ave. to the small cove westward. There were 63 people between 19th and 21st avenues -- family groups (lots of small children), some Spanish speaking groups. One dog on leash was sitting next to owner; no off leash dogs. There were about 25 people in small groups between 21st - 23rd avenues. There were two off leash dogs. One was a pit bull wandering around by itself sniffing heaps of sand. It’s owner was about 50 feet away sitting on the sand talking on a cell phone.
There were 23 people and no dogs at 19th Ave. to the small cove westward. There were 63 people between 19th and 21st avenues -- family groups (lots of small children), some Spanish speaking groups. One dog on leash was sitting next to owner; no off leash dogs. There were about 25 people in small groups between 21st - 23rd avenues. There were two off leash dogs. One was a pit bull wandering around by itself sniffing heaps of sand. It’s owner was about 50 feet away sitting on the sand talking on a cell phone.
8.00 pm
A truck pulled up just east of 23rd and asked me if had seen a small black dog. There were also pedestrians searching for it. I joined in the search, since I was on my bike and could cover more ground. When I returned home the dog was still missing. This is a common occurrence in the summer.
A truck pulled up just east of 23rd and asked me if had seen a small black dog. There were also pedestrians searching for it. I joined in the search, since I was on my bike and could cover more ground. When I returned home the dog was still missing. This is a common occurrence in the summer.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Beautiful day, sunny with a slight breeze.....it was a very unusual and enjoyable experience with about ten dogs on-leash and only three dogs off-leash about 9:30 am near low tide. It would appear that ACS patrols are starting to make a dent in the off-leashers.
At 20th -23rd Ave. beach (4:30 - 5:15 pm) there were 12 off leash dogs that passed by me as I stood in the surf, including two very large dogs that were black and white and had the bodies of large boxers but the gigantic heads of pit bulls.
At 20th -23rd Ave. beach (4:30 - 5:15 pm) there were 12 off leash dogs that passed by me as I stood in the surf, including two very large dogs that were black and white and had the bodies of large boxers but the gigantic heads of pit bulls.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013 - Star of the Sea Park
My Tibetan Terrier puppy, who turns 1 year on the 14th, was bitten by an off leash large breed dog this morning. Officer Michael Hedley (SCPD) took the complaint and cited the person with the dog. We had just entered the parking lot off Fredrick Street, about halfway across, when a large breed black and tan short haired dog, out with its owner’s girlfriend off-leash, ran about 25 to 30 yards across the parking lot over to us, growled, barked and bent down and went at my dogs midsection trying to bite, then nipped at the midsection of my puppy. I had called out to the crowd of people for the owner to call the dog twice as it ran at us. The dog ignored the lady and continued to run at us.
I was blamed by the girl for being out with my leashed dog! One person said “If you didn't want contact with other dogs why are you out with him?” Never mind that I was a significant distance from them across the lot and was minding my own business. One said my excited state after the bite was the cause, never mind that I had said “I don't want any contact, call your dog please” from across the lot as her dog ran at us.
Star of the Sea Park is not an off leash area; leashes are required. It is increasingly becoming an off leash area for some. This is the second attack by an off leash dog I have seen there in two weeks. The last was an off leash retriever who twice charged an on leash shepherd and its owner.
I was blamed by the girl for being out with my leashed dog! One person said “If you didn't want contact with other dogs why are you out with him?” Never mind that I was a significant distance from them across the lot and was minding my own business. One said my excited state after the bite was the cause, never mind that I had said “I don't want any contact, call your dog please” from across the lot as her dog ran at us.
Star of the Sea Park is not an off leash area; leashes are required. It is increasingly becoming an off leash area for some. This is the second attack by an off leash dog I have seen there in two weeks. The last was an off leash retriever who twice charged an on leash shepherd and its owner.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
A man had his off leash dog and for 20 minutes paid no attention to the dog, as he was totally engrossed in playing with an electronic device. He was sitting 120 feet from the 26th Avenue stairs. During this period of inattention the dog made seven trips to the bottom of the stairs to greet whoever was coming down the stairs. The man had no knowledge of his dog's actions.
At 3:15 pm there were six or seven off leash dogs to the east of the 26th Avenue stairs. A young woman came down the stairs with an on leash dog and began to walk towards Moran Lake. She was visibly startled when two medium to large off leash dogs suddenly charged her dog. Peaceful walk spoiled. A woman finally got up and retrieved the offending dogs.
At 3:15 pm there were six or seven off leash dogs to the east of the 26th Avenue stairs. A young woman came down the stairs with an on leash dog and began to walk towards Moran Lake. She was visibly startled when two medium to large off leash dogs suddenly charged her dog. Peaceful walk spoiled. A woman finally got up and retrieved the offending dogs.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Since the "Pets Must Be on Leash" signs were stolen from East Cliff Drive, all of the off-leash dogs at noon were at Pleasure Point.
Wednesday May 30, 2013
Definitely a downer with about eight or nine dogs off-leash, only one on-leash dog. Too many for a public beach!
Saturday, May 25, 12:30 PM
Lots of people on the beach this noon, most with no dogs, several with dogs on-leash and five dogs off-leash.
Off-Leash Dogs, vandalized and stolen signs
Sunny Cove (17th Avenue) to 41st Avenue
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Sunny, clear day with lots of people and families AND lots of off-leash dogs as can be discerned from the photo. Most off-leashers were concentrated between 23rd and 26th Avenues where they are less visible from East Cliff. Moran Lake had a few dogs but all were on-leash.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
I saw the new County Dogs On Leash sign at stairs near the Pleasure Point market today at 9:00 am. There were several off leash dogs - low tide morning. I thought people were more conscious of their off leash dogs and children. A few people held the collar or leashed their dog as they went by us - that has never happened before.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Just before I took this photograph a woman bent over with her head no more than three feet from the sign, unleashed the dog and sent it down the steps to do it's duty. The woman didn't go down, but every few minutes she stepped to the rail to look for her dog. It was almost high tide and the small dog came up the steps dripping wet. Another dog owner said that the dog had been in the waves.
Sunday, May 12
Interesting day at the beach today. Plenty of visitors and lots of dogs off-leash (at least a dozen) including a pair of black poodles that chased every single bird off the waterline. There were about four dogs on-leash (hooray that there are some responsible owners).
Saturday, May 11
Sunny clear day with a little breeze between Corcoran & Moran Lake. Quite a few visitors and families hanging-out enjoying the sunshine. Sunny Cove had lots of kids and families (out of the breeze) and only one dog (on-leash). For the remaining beach, I noted about a dozen dogs, three on-leash and the rest charging up and down the shoreline keeping the birds off the beach. One young couple with a young pit bull had a difficult time restraining the dog from jumping on us (off leash and unfamiliar with voice commands).
Later on Saturday:
All sorts of dogs running off-leash (too many to count) around the 26th Ave beach access point. No AC personnel have been spotted this afternoon. Lots of people walking down to the beach with their dogs off-leash even on 26th Ave, a busy street....the beginning of the tourist season.
Later on Saturday:
All sorts of dogs running off-leash (too many to count) around the 26th Ave beach access point. No AC personnel have been spotted this afternoon. Lots of people walking down to the beach with their dogs off-leash even on 26th Ave, a busy street....the beginning of the tourist season.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
On a somewhat cloudy AM, there were about six dogs running off-leash between Corcoran and Moran Lake, only two on-leash. One of those off-leash was a "bird dog" so there were precious few birds along the water line...a lone gull and a couple of curlews that were being chased at times.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
The weather was partly cloudy with a strong breeze along the beach from Moran Lake to Corcoran Lagoon. Evidently dogs do not need exercise on windy days as there were only four dogs off-leash and two dogs on-leash during midday....and this during a holiday Sunday. There were lots of curlews feeding at the water line.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Cloudy and overcast at noontime. Very few dogs off-leash and lots of curlews and gulls along the waterline as a result. Of the four dogs off-leash (two each with separate owners), one approached us despite the voice commands of the owner and I had to ward it off with my walking stick. I told the owner it belonged on a leash, but he just gave me one of those grins.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
From Craigslist May 4th
"Enjoying the evening yesterday at Its Beach with my wife and two young kids when one of the many dogs around comes over and, before I could shoo it away, pees on my wife. As she was ripping its inattentive (stoned, seemingly) young owner, another woman passes by and says, "That's what you get when you come to a dog beach."
"Um, no. We've been to that beach any number of times, both with our old mutt and after we had to put her down last year. I'm all for having beaches where dogs and responsible owners can enjoy one of the many great things about Santa Cruz. But it's not a "dog beach," lady.
"Enjoying the evening yesterday at Its Beach with my wife and two young kids when one of the many dogs around comes over and, before I could shoo it away, pees on my wife. As she was ripping its inattentive (stoned, seemingly) young owner, another woman passes by and says, "That's what you get when you come to a dog beach."
"Um, no. We've been to that beach any number of times, both with our old mutt and after we had to put her down last year. I'm all for having beaches where dogs and responsible owners can enjoy one of the many great things about Santa Cruz. But it's not a "dog beach," lady.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Twin Lakes State Park beach at the end of 12th.
Peaceful scene. No dogs in sight. Two curlews feeding on the edge of the water and one
man laying prostrate in the middle of the beach enjoying the sun, apparently napping.
Someone remarked that he would not be able do that at 20th Ave beach because a dog might
piddle on him.
After a few minutes a man came from the direction of the harbor with an off leash collie.
The collie saw the napping man and ran over and sniffed him, getting his attention, then the collie saw the two
curlews and chased them off. The owner of the dog behaved as if nothing had happened.
Two minutes later a second man appeared from the direction of the harbor. This man was
walking peacefully along with his German Shepherd on a leash. A small dog trailing a leash appeared out
of nowhere and ran at the Shepherd. Much confusion and tangled leashes, then a woman went over and
helped untangle the leashes. So much for a peaceful day at the beach.
Peaceful scene. No dogs in sight. Two curlews feeding on the edge of the water and one
man laying prostrate in the middle of the beach enjoying the sun, apparently napping.
Someone remarked that he would not be able do that at 20th Ave beach because a dog might
piddle on him.
After a few minutes a man came from the direction of the harbor with an off leash collie.
The collie saw the napping man and ran over and sniffed him, getting his attention, then the collie saw the two
curlews and chased them off. The owner of the dog behaved as if nothing had happened.
Two minutes later a second man appeared from the direction of the harbor. This man was
walking peacefully along with his German Shepherd on a leash. A small dog trailing a leash appeared out
of nowhere and ran at the Shepherd. Much confusion and tangled leashes, then a woman went over and
helped untangle the leashes. So much for a peaceful day at the beach.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Bright sunny weather has brought out all the off-leashers this AM. Somewhere between ten and twelve off-leash dogs, only two on-leash. Dogs were definitely harassing the curlews and there were no egrets at all at the shoreline.
May 1, 2013
It was low tide in the morning on Tuesday and we went to Pleasure Point to play in the shallow water. There were about 20 off-leash dogs, mostly big and sturdy-looking medium sized dogs. A German Shepherd came right up to a small child's face. There was a little girl sitting in a pool and two large loose dogs came up behind her to sniff her and her little wetsuit. The beach was all dogs.
May 1, 2013
There were a number of curlews and egrets scattered along the shoreline getting brunch about 10:00 AM, probably due to only a few dogs off-leash (only one sighted on the trip to Sunny Cove). However, on the return there was this one fellow by Moran Lake with FIVE dogs off-leash.
April 30, 2013
4:30 PM
4/30/13 4:30 p.m. beach report - 7 off leash dogs in sight.
April 30, 2013
At 10:00 AM, about six to eight dogs off-leash between Moran and Corcoran with one on-leash. The poor woman with her smaller dog on-leash had to keep picking up her dog as the larger off-leash dogs came running up. No enforcement in sight....just some killdeer protecting their nest.
April 29, 2013
A visitor from Australia remarked on how many dogs there are in Santa Cruz and because of the dogs she considered the beaches too dangerous to visit.
April 28, 2013
This Canada goose (Branta canadensis) was photographed at 11:00 am this morning. In checking on the killdeer nest, one was on the nest and the goose was nearby. It showed no fear and came within six feet of me.
At the same time there were three or four swallows flying around and landing in front of the killdeer nest. The swallows undersides were more red than a normal swallow. The other killdeer was out in front of the protected killdeer nest, with a larger shorebird, I think it was a Long-billed Dowitcher. After the killdeer departed the larger bird was joined by a Ring-necked Dove.
Everything departed when a couple began throwing a ball for their dog into the outflow.
At the same time there were three or four swallows flying around and landing in front of the killdeer nest. The swallows undersides were more red than a normal swallow. The other killdeer was out in front of the protected killdeer nest, with a larger shorebird, I think it was a Long-billed Dowitcher. After the killdeer departed the larger bird was joined by a Ring-necked Dove.
Everything departed when a couple began throwing a ball for their dog into the outflow.
Earth Day, April 21, 2013
Between Moran Lake and Corcoran Lagoon, about 1:30 PM.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 - Thursday, April 11, 2013 Corcoran Lagoon Beach
At 4:00 to 4:30 pm there were only two dogs, both on leash, so we went to the beach in comfort -- three women in their 70s with two children. Beautiful afternoon. Unfortunately off leash dogs began to appear. There were five unleashed dogs, including one pit bull mixed. Animal Control officers appeared at 21st or 20th at about 4:30. Everyone leashed his/her dog.
April 11, 2013
At 9:30 this morning, we counted 11 off leash dogs. I guess they figure the officers don't appear that early.
Thursday, March 21, 2013, 11:30 AM 20th Avenue Beach
Two couples with one dog on-leash and three dogs off-leash. They leashed up when they started back toward Corcoran Lagoon outflow.
Pleasure Point: Thursday, February 21, 2013, 11 am
As I was biking along east Cliff drive on Pleasure Point, a skateboarder came onto the sidewalk with a dog off-leash. The dog nosed around the greenery at the edge of the sidewalk. Two women with dogs on-leash were nearby. They eyed the off-leash dog warily and moved their dogs away from the off-leash dog.
After consulting his cell phone, the skateboarder took off with his off-leash dog following behind. The two women and their on-leash dogs continued on their way with obvious relief. Further down the street, the skateboarder turned into a side street with his dog still off-leash.
After consulting his cell phone, the skateboarder took off with his off-leash dog following behind. The two women and their on-leash dogs continued on their way with obvious relief. Further down the street, the skateboarder turned into a side street with his dog still off-leash.
20th Avenue Beach: Thursday, February 21, 2013 10:45 am
A man with three dogs off-leash walked toward the 20th Avenue stairs. He later came up the stairs and took his dogs to his car parked on 20th Avenue, with the dogs off-leash all the while.
20th Avenue: Thursday, February 21, 2013 11:30 AM
Three dogs off-leash from one car. One dog off-leash from neighboring house. The large off-leash dog approached a woman without a dog. She shrank away from the dog.
Sunny Cove Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 11:15 AM
Two dogs off leash with two humans. One dog pooped in the sand while the humans were looking the other way. The poop was not picked up.
Corcoran Lagoon Beach, Wednesday, February 20, 22013, 11 AM
Three dogs off-leash, running next to the expanding Corcoran Lagoon runoff.
February 20, 2013, Frederick Street Park
I took my grandchildren to Frederick St. Park yesterday and observed first hand the unfenced off leash area in the park. It seems to comprise more than half the grassy area in the park. Since there are no fences to demarcate the dog area, one has to guess.
We were at the park for an hour. During that time there were no fewer than 6 dogs running on the grass. A man and his child set up a small soccer net on the outer edge of the grass area, the whole range of field not being available to them. I saw an owner throw her dog's ball in the direction of the man, child, and their soccer ball. The dog ran into the middle of their playing area after its ball and then stood with its ball. Next the dog took possession of the soccer ball. The dog's owner and the parent and child stood frozen, not knowing what the dog's next move would be. Finally the dog picked up its ball and ran off. The owner said nothing to her dog during the little stand off.
I concluded from this that it would not be safe to allow my grandchildren to run on the grass area. And of course, one would not want children to sit or fall down on the grass. Dog feces cannot be picked up from grass. It always leaves a smear.
20th Avenue, February 13, 2013
Late afternoon, a man witnessed an Animal Services officer issuing a ticket to a dog owner at the end of 20th Avenue. The AS officer was confronted by several other dog owners and the man receiving the ticket was screaming at the officer.
26th Avenue Beach, Thursday, 2/14/13 4:00 pm
These three birds, and a dozen others, took flight when five off leash dogs came running down the stairs.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013 11:30 AM
At least ten dogs running off-leash on Moran Lake Beach. Four of the dogs were brought to the beach and released by one young couple.
February 9, 2013 5:20 p.m.
28 off leash dogs, 20th Ave. to 23rd Ave. Sunset-- low tide, no birds feeding except on rocks near 21st where dogs couldn't reach them.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Thirteen off-leash dogs on dry and wet sand 20th Ave. - 23rd. Ave. beaches.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Three people on the sand about halfway between the 20th Ave. stairs and the wet sand. Their 2 dogs were rough housing nearby in the dry sand about 10 feet from a family with 4 children playing. This went on for 20 minutes or more.
At sunset (5:40), twelve people were standing in a line together at the surf line with thirteen dogs. Two of the dogs appeared to be on leash. There were 4 - 8 people walking along the wet sand area with 5 or more off-leash dogs.
At sunset (5:40), twelve people were standing in a line together at the surf line with thirteen dogs. Two of the dogs appeared to be on leash. There were 4 - 8 people walking along the wet sand area with 5 or more off-leash dogs.
Monday, January 28
Animal Services patrols seem to be making a big difference on the 20th Avenue beach. This morning there were only two dog walkers on the beach with off-leash dogs, plus one farther back from the beach on the sand with a dog on leash. A small yappy dog stood and barked at me as I took his picture from the 20th Avenue dead end.
A couple on the sand above high tide line ignored their two dogs running along the Corcoran Lagoon outflow.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Between 3.15pm and 3.45 pm I walked from the rock pools, west of 20th, the entire length of the beach to Moran Lake. It's a holiday and most of the people were families. There were fifty two dogs on the beach. Forty eight off-leash, three on leash and one in someone's arms.
At 5.00 pm I visited the 20th Avenue beach. More off-leash dogs. When I left there were two poop bags still on the rocks at the bottom of the stairs. The two in the grass, beside the stairs, were still there. That's at least eleven days that they have been there now.
At 5.00 pm I visited the 20th Avenue beach. More off-leash dogs. When I left there were two poop bags still on the rocks at the bottom of the stairs. The two in the grass, beside the stairs, were still there. That's at least eleven days that they have been there now.
Sunday Morning, January 20, 2013
I went to the beach this morning, a little after 10:00. Between 23rd and 20th there were 6 dogs. I observed a man with a Boston Terrier. The dog defecated on the sand. I also saw a plastic bag - full - on the sand. A woman with a brindle colored boxer mix walked slowly along the beach allowing her dog to run ahead and behind. It defecated in some driftwood in the cove just before the rock shelf. She picked it up. I saw the little sea birds running back and forth and feeding on sand crabs. A dog that had been playing ball chased them. They flew off.
I walked up the slope to 19th Ave. and as I rounded the corner on E.Cliff where people park, 3 young men were unloading the back of their truck. Out dashed 3 very large pit bull types that ran past me, around to 19th and on down to the beach. I followed to watch and one boy ran by saying, "Did they go to the beach?" He ran on down followed by the other boys. At the base of the 19th Ave. slope/path the 3 dogs were defecating. I told the boys about the leash law. One dog was urinating so copiously that the boys left him behind and began walking with the other two dogs toward the water. I didn't see what they did while on the beach as I was disgusted and left.
That evening at 5:10 p.m. there were 19 off leash dogs between 19th Ave and 23rd Ave.
I walked up the slope to 19th Ave. and as I rounded the corner on E.Cliff where people park, 3 young men were unloading the back of their truck. Out dashed 3 very large pit bull types that ran past me, around to 19th and on down to the beach. I followed to watch and one boy ran by saying, "Did they go to the beach?" He ran on down followed by the other boys. At the base of the 19th Ave. slope/path the 3 dogs were defecating. I told the boys about the leash law. One dog was urinating so copiously that the boys left him behind and began walking with the other two dogs toward the water. I didn't see what they did while on the beach as I was disgusted and left.
That evening at 5:10 p.m. there were 19 off leash dogs between 19th Ave and 23rd Ave.
Sunday Afternoon, January 20, 2013
I decided to walk from the Corcoran Lagoon out flow to the 26th Avenue steps. I gave up. There were three off leash dogs between 23rd and 26th. The first was a pit bull type with a couple walking in the same direction as myself at the bottom of 23rd. The dog saw me and started running towards me and only stopped when the owners turned and saw what was happening and called the dog off. Too late for me, a good walk spoiled.
When I was at the end of 24th a black lab and a similar sized dog raced towards me. They were called back by their owner. I gave up on getting to 26th and turned around and walked back towards 23rd, where the pit bull had a another run at me. Called off again. By now the woman with the two un-leashed dogs was getting close to the unleashed pit bull. The pit bull went over to the black lab and it's buddy. This resulted in much excited shouting by both owners. I think no harm was done, but it was certainly not relaxing for anyone.
I decided to go over to the rock pools where I encountered a woman, visiting Santa Cruz. We had a long conversation and I asked her what she thought of the dog situation. She said that she had only been here for three days but felt very uncomfortable when dogs come running at her because she doesn't know if they are friendly or vicious. While we were talking, we were watching the very small shore birds feeding. A couple with four dogs came from the direction of Sunny Cove with two leashed dogs and two unleashed dogs. The birds flew away. Another pit bull type dog went over to and urinated in one of the tide pools.
As I left the beach via the 20th Avenue stairs with three unleashed dogs on the beach, a woman was standing at the top of the stairs with a small white poodle on a leash. She decided not to go down to the beach, I asked her why. She said that there were too many dogs in Sunny Cove where she had left her children building a structure and had walked on the street to see if the 20th Avenue beach was any better. She didn't like what she saw.
At 2.30 pm I returned to the 26th Avenue beach and chatted with two separate elderly couples. One of them said that in the past he had been attacked at the foot of 25th.
When I was at the end of 24th a black lab and a similar sized dog raced towards me. They were called back by their owner. I gave up on getting to 26th and turned around and walked back towards 23rd, where the pit bull had a another run at me. Called off again. By now the woman with the two un-leashed dogs was getting close to the unleashed pit bull. The pit bull went over to the black lab and it's buddy. This resulted in much excited shouting by both owners. I think no harm was done, but it was certainly not relaxing for anyone.
I decided to go over to the rock pools where I encountered a woman, visiting Santa Cruz. We had a long conversation and I asked her what she thought of the dog situation. She said that she had only been here for three days but felt very uncomfortable when dogs come running at her because she doesn't know if they are friendly or vicious. While we were talking, we were watching the very small shore birds feeding. A couple with four dogs came from the direction of Sunny Cove with two leashed dogs and two unleashed dogs. The birds flew away. Another pit bull type dog went over to and urinated in one of the tide pools.
As I left the beach via the 20th Avenue stairs with three unleashed dogs on the beach, a woman was standing at the top of the stairs with a small white poodle on a leash. She decided not to go down to the beach, I asked her why. She said that there were too many dogs in Sunny Cove where she had left her children building a structure and had walked on the street to see if the 20th Avenue beach was any better. She didn't like what she saw.
At 2.30 pm I returned to the 26th Avenue beach and chatted with two separate elderly couples. One of them said that in the past he had been attacked at the foot of 25th.
January 18, 2013
While I was descending the stairs I saw a dog urinating on a sand castle five feet in front of a seated family.
I was aggressively threatened by two different dogs fifteen minutes apart, both owned by the same woman, who apologized.
A young woman was close to the edge of the water throwing a ball into the ocean for her dog. Another woman came along with two medium to large sized dogs and let one of them of it's leash. It made straight for the dog that was playing retrieve and harassed the unleashed retriever, jumping on it numerous times. This continued for about two minutes until the owner of the harassing dog decided that she would put it back on it's leash. Minutes later another dog came along and stole the retriever's ball and took off with it.
At sunset I went to photograph the sunset at the end of 26th Avenue. As I was walking back towards East Cliff there was an off-leash dog running around on 26th. An elderly lady with two leashed dogs came off East Cliff and began to walk towards the 26th Avenue stairs. As soon as she saw the unleashed dog she did a U-turn. I caught her up asked her why she didn't continue to the beach. She said that the dog she had before the two that she now has was attacked by an unleashed dog.
I was aggressively threatened by two different dogs fifteen minutes apart, both owned by the same woman, who apologized.
A young woman was close to the edge of the water throwing a ball into the ocean for her dog. Another woman came along with two medium to large sized dogs and let one of them of it's leash. It made straight for the dog that was playing retrieve and harassed the unleashed retriever, jumping on it numerous times. This continued for about two minutes until the owner of the harassing dog decided that she would put it back on it's leash. Minutes later another dog came along and stole the retriever's ball and took off with it.
At sunset I went to photograph the sunset at the end of 26th Avenue. As I was walking back towards East Cliff there was an off-leash dog running around on 26th. An elderly lady with two leashed dogs came off East Cliff and began to walk towards the 26th Avenue stairs. As soon as she saw the unleashed dog she did a U-turn. I caught her up asked her why she didn't continue to the beach. She said that the dog she had before the two that she now has was attacked by an unleashed dog.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Early afternoon, a man arrived at the 20th Avenue beach and unleashed his dog which immediately defecated. The man bagged it and placed the loaded bag and the dog's leash on a large log which people usually sit on. Not on either end but in the middle. He then took off towards 26th Avenue with no leash. He couldn't have leashed his dog if he had wanted to.
When he returned, he retrieved the leash and the bag. Almost immediately a couple sat where the bag had been.
Later in the afternoon, I was walking down 20th from East Cliff towards the beach. I was about a quarter of the way down when a woman let an unleashed small dog out of an SUV. It immediately started barking, and circling me and snapping at my feet. It took no notice of the woman shouting at it.
As I was walking, a man pulled up in a truck near East Cliff. He and his dog got out of the truck and immediately parted company. The man walking towards the beach on 20th, calling the dog as he walked. No response from the dog because it was behind the parked cars doing it's duty under the bushes bordering the retreat. Of course it wasn't picked up.
When he returned, he retrieved the leash and the bag. Almost immediately a couple sat where the bag had been.
Later in the afternoon, I was walking down 20th from East Cliff towards the beach. I was about a quarter of the way down when a woman let an unleashed small dog out of an SUV. It immediately started barking, and circling me and snapping at my feet. It took no notice of the woman shouting at it.
As I was walking, a man pulled up in a truck near East Cliff. He and his dog got out of the truck and immediately parted company. The man walking towards the beach on 20th, calling the dog as he walked. No response from the dog because it was behind the parked cars doing it's duty under the bushes bordering the retreat. Of course it wasn't picked up.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Today on the beach I met a woman that told me what had happened to her last year. She went to the beach to watch the sunset. A man was there with his dog and a ball. The dog dropped the ball at her feet. She ignored the dog. The dog got on it's hind legs and scratched, both of her legs. She was wearing shorts at the time and now has permanent scars on her legs. The man came over to her and when she complained to him, he said "You should have thrown the ball."
Up to that evening the dog owner had been a regular visitor to that beach. He hasn't been back since the incident.
Up to that evening the dog owner had been a regular visitor to that beach. He hasn't been back since the incident.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Apparently, some people chronically break many laws, not just the leash law. A few days ago I observed a young person descend the stairs to the beach at 19th Avenue, after unleashing her dog. This was done after she had received a ticket from a CHP officer, for not wearing a seat belt. When the officer left, she got out of her car, unleashed her dog, went down to the beach, sat down and opened a beer
Saturday, January 12, 2013
At the beach this morning, a dog defecated right in front of me. The guy didn't pick it up and walked past me. I said "Aren't you going to go back and put that in a plastic bag?" He was speechless. His companion, who was walking behind him said something like "There are no plastic bags." When I checked five minutes later, the plastic bag dispensers at the top of the 20th Ave steps, 21st Avenue path and 23rd Avenue beach were all practically full.
January 10. 2013
At 10 am I went to the 23rd Avenue beach. Within one minute I had a dog run at me and jump up at me putting it's paws on my chest. The owner walked over to me and said "That was a first, she's never done that before."
In the next fifteen minutes it happened to me three more times, with three different dogs. No contact with the owners.
Then I saw a dog go over to a fisherman's back pack and was about to urinate on it when it's owner called him off.
At 10:30 am I witnessed a woman trying to restrain a young female pit who was excited because she was surrounded by three medium to large dogs that wanted to play. Lots of yelping and barking. I asked the woman why she didn't let the dog off it's leash so it could play. She said that she was trying to make sure that a certain woman who the pit had previously jumped up on was not on the beach. She let her dog off the leash. A few minutes later she re-leashed the dog and told me that the dog needed to go back to school.
At 11 am I revisited the 20th Avenue beach. As I was trying to enter the beach a dog ran over to me and barred my path, continuously barking at me. After a couple of minutes of barking, the owner who was sitting on a log about 150 feet away, with his back to his dog and me, finally cottoned on that it was his dog that was barking, turned around and called the dog off.
In the next fifteen minutes it happened to me three more times, with three different dogs. No contact with the owners.
Then I saw a dog go over to a fisherman's back pack and was about to urinate on it when it's owner called him off.
At 10:30 am I witnessed a woman trying to restrain a young female pit who was excited because she was surrounded by three medium to large dogs that wanted to play. Lots of yelping and barking. I asked the woman why she didn't let the dog off it's leash so it could play. She said that she was trying to make sure that a certain woman who the pit had previously jumped up on was not on the beach. She let her dog off the leash. A few minutes later she re-leashed the dog and told me that the dog needed to go back to school.
At 11 am I revisited the 20th Avenue beach. As I was trying to enter the beach a dog ran over to me and barred my path, continuously barking at me. After a couple of minutes of barking, the owner who was sitting on a log about 150 feet away, with his back to his dog and me, finally cottoned on that it was his dog that was barking, turned around and called the dog off.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
I didn't venture on to the beach, staying at the top of the 20th Avenue stairs for about five minutes. There I encountered a man who had bought a house in Live Oak just to be near the beach. He had a dog but had left it at home. He was considering going down on to the beach for a walk but when he saw the off leash action, decided against it. He had been out of the country for a while and mentioned how surprised he was with the proliferation of dogs on East Cliff. At the time, from the top of the stairs, eight or nine very rambunctious dogs were visible.
Away from the beach, I met a woman, who lives near the beach but who has given up walking her small dog all together because of off leash dogs on the street and beach.
On 17th Avenue I met a woman with her small leashed dog who is fearful when she walks it because of off leash dogs in her neighborhood. She said that she didn't want her dog or any other person's dog hurt. She also said that she was having trouble with her next door neighbor who lets his dog poop on her property.
Away from the beach, I met a woman, who lives near the beach but who has given up walking her small dog all together because of off leash dogs on the street and beach.
On 17th Avenue I met a woman with her small leashed dog who is fearful when she walks it because of off leash dogs in her neighborhood. She said that she didn't want her dog or any other person's dog hurt. She also said that she was having trouble with her next door neighbor who lets his dog poop on her property.
Monday, January 7, 2013
At noon I went to the 26th Avenue Beach. On the way there I encountered a man talking to a group of five or six other men. There had been a dog fight on the beach and the one man was trying to find the owner of the other dog. The other men were saying that they didn't know where the owner or the other dog was. His dog (a pit/dalmatian mix?) had been been attacked by what he thought was a pit/mastiff mix. The other guys produced a much smaller dog that had also recently been in a fight and had an injury to it's eye. That fight was a couple of days ago, not in Santa Cruz.
Earlier, after that fight, the owners thought that the dogs had not been injured and parted company. Minutes later the pit/dalmatian mix started to bleed from two wounds and that's when it's owner started looking for the other dog. I took a picture of the dog's wounds in case he needed it. One wound was minor but the other was a very deep hole that you could put your thumb in.
Then an elderly couple arrived with an on-leash dog and asked what was happening. When I explained, she said that she had been bitten on the beach and added that people should take their off-leash dogs to dog play parks. About a half hour later, one of the guys who had been in the group mentioned above arrived back on the scene and said "That since I was a witness to the incident, I'll vouch for what happened. Are you OK with going fifty fifty on the veterinary bill?" The injured dog's owner readily agreed.
After the attack it was very peaceful, except for two instances of dogs chasing birds off.
Earlier, after that fight, the owners thought that the dogs had not been injured and parted company. Minutes later the pit/dalmatian mix started to bleed from two wounds and that's when it's owner started looking for the other dog. I took a picture of the dog's wounds in case he needed it. One wound was minor but the other was a very deep hole that you could put your thumb in.
Then an elderly couple arrived with an on-leash dog and asked what was happening. When I explained, she said that she had been bitten on the beach and added that people should take their off-leash dogs to dog play parks. About a half hour later, one of the guys who had been in the group mentioned above arrived back on the scene and said "That since I was a witness to the incident, I'll vouch for what happened. Are you OK with going fifty fifty on the veterinary bill?" The injured dog's owner readily agreed.
After the attack it was very peaceful, except for two instances of dogs chasing birds off.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Around 3.00 pm, two women without dogs went down to the beach at 26th. One stopped and read the "dogs on leash" sign and mentioned the $500 fine. To their surprise they were met at the bottom of the stairs by an off leash dog who barked at them barring their way. They hesitated, then went past him. The dog ran after them and jumped up and pushed one of the women by putting his paws on her derriere. The woman picked up a stick and threw it back towards the owner who had done nothing through all of this. The dog chased the stick and that was the end of that.
At 3.30 pm I talked to two owners, one with a leashed dog and one with an unleashed dog. They both complained that there were too many un-neutered pit bulls coming to the beach.
While we were talking a man tried to walk on the beach with a very large leashed mastiff kind of dog. He got attacked by three retriever sized dogs. Lots off snapping, snarling and commotion but no damage done. The mastiff was very strong and the owner had a hard job restraining it. Poor guy, there he is obeying the law and he had to put up with that kind of craziness.
At 4.45 pm there were eighteen dogs on the 20th Avenue beach.
At 5.15 pm a large dog urinated a copious amount at the of 26th Ave steps and another did a feces dump in the vegetation in front of the steps. It wasn't picked up. Here's a picture of the pee.
At 3.30 pm I talked to two owners, one with a leashed dog and one with an unleashed dog. They both complained that there were too many un-neutered pit bulls coming to the beach.
While we were talking a man tried to walk on the beach with a very large leashed mastiff kind of dog. He got attacked by three retriever sized dogs. Lots off snapping, snarling and commotion but no damage done. The mastiff was very strong and the owner had a hard job restraining it. Poor guy, there he is obeying the law and he had to put up with that kind of craziness.
At 4.45 pm there were eighteen dogs on the 20th Avenue beach.
At 5.15 pm a large dog urinated a copious amount at the of 26th Ave steps and another did a feces dump in the vegetation in front of the steps. It wasn't picked up. Here's a picture of the pee.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
I checked the 26th Avenue steps - two times.
In the morning in excess of thirty small shore birds were feeding until a woman descended the stairs with a small dog, probably a beagle mix. She unleashed the dog. The birds departed. A man in his seventies, with a leashed dog, watched the woman unleash her dog and then decided not to go down the steps. He said that he had been knocked down on the beach.
In the afternoon no one was on the beach. Only surfers in the ocean. There were many shore birds feeding. In excess of thirty very small ones (unknown species) and approximately the same number of larger shore birds (larger than a sandpiper) and they were joined by one seagull. No interruptions. Nature ruled.
Later, I met a woman with her on-leash dog, which she told me had been attacked on the 26th Avenue beach sometime in the past.
In the morning in excess of thirty small shore birds were feeding until a woman descended the stairs with a small dog, probably a beagle mix. She unleashed the dog. The birds departed. A man in his seventies, with a leashed dog, watched the woman unleash her dog and then decided not to go down the steps. He said that he had been knocked down on the beach.
In the afternoon no one was on the beach. Only surfers in the ocean. There were many shore birds feeding. In excess of thirty very small ones (unknown species) and approximately the same number of larger shore birds (larger than a sandpiper) and they were joined by one seagull. No interruptions. Nature ruled.
Later, I met a woman with her on-leash dog, which she told me had been attacked on the 26th Avenue beach sometime in the past.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
In the morning I spent five minutes at the 20th Avenue beach. The thing that I saw worth mentioning was a middle aged man using the bottom two steps of the stairs to scrape dog poop of his shoes.
I spent 15 minutes around the corner from the 20th Avenue beach at the rock pools, along with another guy, watching about ten shore birds feeding. All went well until a man with an off-leash dog rounded the corner, and the birds took off. The man and his dog stayed about two minutes and then left. The birds did not return. The guy that had been watching the birds with me was really ticked off. He said that once when he was on the 20th Avenue beach he saw a dog owner leave a "a pile of poopy" behind and when he challenged the dog owner about it, the reply was "None of your business."
It was a good day for observing the affects of dogs on shore birds.
Near the rock pools the birds were quite content with two people standing there but left when the dog appeared.
On 26th Avenue beach, due to tides there was not much beach but for about fifteen minutes I watched a group of approx. eighty medium sized shore birds (possibly sandpipers?) feeding. I was surprised at the number. They disappeared when a young woman came down the steps with a pit bull breed. The dog was well behaved, but that didn't matter to the birds.
I spent 15 minutes around the corner from the 20th Avenue beach at the rock pools, along with another guy, watching about ten shore birds feeding. All went well until a man with an off-leash dog rounded the corner, and the birds took off. The man and his dog stayed about two minutes and then left. The birds did not return. The guy that had been watching the birds with me was really ticked off. He said that once when he was on the 20th Avenue beach he saw a dog owner leave a "a pile of poopy" behind and when he challenged the dog owner about it, the reply was "None of your business."
It was a good day for observing the affects of dogs on shore birds.
Near the rock pools the birds were quite content with two people standing there but left when the dog appeared.
On 26th Avenue beach, due to tides there was not much beach but for about fifteen minutes I watched a group of approx. eighty medium sized shore birds (possibly sandpipers?) feeding. I was surprised at the number. They disappeared when a young woman came down the steps with a pit bull breed. The dog was well behaved, but that didn't matter to the birds.
Friday, January 4, 2013
11.00 am to noon. 20tth Avenue beach. Five or six off leash dogs. I saw a dog ran up behind an unsuspecting sitting man and stuck it's muzzle on the back of his neck.
After all the dogs had left there was a plastic bag of poop on the beach within 30 feet of the garbage cans on East Cliff Drive. Later in the afternoon the Poop Fairy picked it up.
I met one man with no dog on the steps. He said that his dog had it's ear taken off on the beach by another dog.
4.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Dogs running wild. One short dog fight. I saw thirteen dogs. Ten of them medium to large and three small ones, two of which were leashed. Saw one lady trying to walk two small dogs on leashes get surrounded by three large off leash dogs and had to stop for a while.
An older couple tried to walk on the beach. They got to the point where three people were hurling balls into the water and energetic dogs were chasing after them. Hurlers seemed not to notice the couple. The male of the walking couple picked his opportunity and made it through but his female companion had to wait a minute before passing the hurlers.
5.00 pm 26th Avenue steps. Not much beach and initially no dogs. Three species of birds, two of which were shore birds trying to feed but the tide was too high to provide for them. Then things changed a women went down the steps let her dog off it's leash. The birds vamoosed. The woman stayed just long enough for the dog's bath room break and then back up the steps. That's why that area stinks on a hot day.
I went down to the beach to try to photograph the sunset. A man came down the steps with an off-leash dog.
He concentrated on the sunset and the dog came over and began growling and barking at me. The man completely ignored the goings on, concentrating on his photography. I retreated up the steps. As it turns out it wasn't the man's dog it was his female companion's who didn't go down to the beach. She met them as they came up the steps. No leash in sight. At no time was that dog under control.
Dogs Off-leash, 23rd Avenue Beach
January 3, 2013
At 11.00 am, I was down on the 23rd Avenue beach just out for a stroll and two really nice guys with a mellow pit bull on a leash started chatting to me. The owner of the pit bull told me that his dog was eight years old and had never bitten anyone. I looked down at the dog and said "Hi" and it went for me. Good job that it was on a leash. One surprise owner! He told me that he wasn't sure whether or not he was going to let his dog of the leash.
At noon I went to back to the beach and saw a man trying to exercise as far away from the dog action as possible. A dog that was 200ft away, charged at the man and stopped a few feet short of him. The man did a quick shuffle to the left until he was about 20 feet from the dog. The owner walked over to him and apologized.
At 1:00 pm I was on the 23rd Avenue side of the Corcoran outflow down near the ocean. There was an off leash dog with a woman on the 20th Ave side of the outflow. The dog saw me and charged through the outflow towards me. The woman was calling for him to return to her, but he ignored her. He stopped about eight feet from me, stared at me for a while and then proceeded on towards 23rd Avenue. The woman, still calling his name, splashed through the outflow past me. After about 40 yards the woman had enough and stopped. The dog seeing that the chase was over stopped and started towards the woman. The woman thinking that she had achieved her purpose, turned her back on the dog and started to walk back towards 20th Avenue. The dog seeing that, took off again and was only rounded up when a second woman joined the chase.
At around 4.15 pm I counted thirteen off leash dogs one of which would have knocked me down had I not heard it coming; as it was, it just brushed my leg because I was moving aside.
At 11.00 am, I was down on the 23rd Avenue beach just out for a stroll and two really nice guys with a mellow pit bull on a leash started chatting to me. The owner of the pit bull told me that his dog was eight years old and had never bitten anyone. I looked down at the dog and said "Hi" and it went for me. Good job that it was on a leash. One surprise owner! He told me that he wasn't sure whether or not he was going to let his dog of the leash.
At noon I went to back to the beach and saw a man trying to exercise as far away from the dog action as possible. A dog that was 200ft away, charged at the man and stopped a few feet short of him. The man did a quick shuffle to the left until he was about 20 feet from the dog. The owner walked over to him and apologized.
At 1:00 pm I was on the 23rd Avenue side of the Corcoran outflow down near the ocean. There was an off leash dog with a woman on the 20th Ave side of the outflow. The dog saw me and charged through the outflow towards me. The woman was calling for him to return to her, but he ignored her. He stopped about eight feet from me, stared at me for a while and then proceeded on towards 23rd Avenue. The woman, still calling his name, splashed through the outflow past me. After about 40 yards the woman had enough and stopped. The dog seeing that the chase was over stopped and started towards the woman. The woman thinking that she had achieved her purpose, turned her back on the dog and started to walk back towards 20th Avenue. The dog seeing that, took off again and was only rounded up when a second woman joined the chase.
At around 4.15 pm I counted thirteen off leash dogs one of which would have knocked me down had I not heard it coming; as it was, it just brushed my leg because I was moving aside.
Starting off the New Year with Dogs Off-leash
1/1/2013
Yesterday at about 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. I ventured to the beach because of the holiday and the sunset. There were no fewer than 12 off leash dogs the whole time I was there. Early on the tide was still a little high and all the dogs and people were confined to the 23rd-20 Ave. stretch which isn't very big this time of year. I saw 10 or more groups/ couples arrive on foot at the toilet area and at 23rd and release their dogs at the road. Others entered at 21st and 20th. Cars arrived steadily, discharging dogs, parking at 20th, 21st, and in front of the apt. on either side of the road to the west of Corcoran Lagoon.
I saw 3 egrets feeding in the surf line.
I drove past Moran Lake beach at about 4:30 p.m. and it was full of unleashed dogs.
13 Dogs Off-leash
1/2/2013
I went to the beach and mingled with the off leashers. At one time I counted thirteen off leash dogs. On the 20th Avenue side of the beach, separated from the remainder of the beach by the outflow from the lagoon.
On the 26th Avenue side of the outflow I had a conversation with an off leasher new to the beach. She had three dogs.
One of the small dogs came up and threatened me and I pointed for him to leave me. But his back up, a large dog came and threatened me also. Then the owner came over and asked me if I was bothered by her dogs. I told her of course I was bothered, I don't know your dogs. Then I told her that this is not an off leash beach. She said that she didn't know that, but had heard that other dog owners were coming here to allow their dogs to run off leash. I warned her that she might get ticketed and that there were some off leash dog parks that she could go to. She replied "But they are not on the beach."
Five minutes later I was photographing a bird on the driftwood, I think a robin, and her large dog came over and chased the bird away. Then the woman came over and said: "He likes chasing birds. Oh, I see you have a camera were you trying to photograph the bird? I replied "Yes."
I went to the beach and mingled with the off leashers. At one time I counted thirteen off leash dogs. On the 20th Avenue side of the beach, separated from the remainder of the beach by the outflow from the lagoon.
On the 26th Avenue side of the outflow I had a conversation with an off leasher new to the beach. She had three dogs.
One of the small dogs came up and threatened me and I pointed for him to leave me. But his back up, a large dog came and threatened me also. Then the owner came over and asked me if I was bothered by her dogs. I told her of course I was bothered, I don't know your dogs. Then I told her that this is not an off leash beach. She said that she didn't know that, but had heard that other dog owners were coming here to allow their dogs to run off leash. I warned her that she might get ticketed and that there were some off leash dog parks that she could go to. She replied "But they are not on the beach."
Five minutes later I was photographing a bird on the driftwood, I think a robin, and her large dog came over and chased the bird away. Then the woman came over and said: "He likes chasing birds. Oh, I see you have a camera were you trying to photograph the bird? I replied "Yes."