Now that beach weather is here, it is time to address dogs on the beaches and the people who insist on bringing them to the beach. It is our observation that most people don’t keep their dogs on a leash and/or under control.
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
Now that beach weather is here, it is time to address dogs on the beaches and the people who insist on bringing them to the beach. It is our observation that most people don’t keep their dogs on a leash and/or under control. Most do not bring fresh water for their animals, or provide shade for them to get out of the hot sun. Too many people throw balls or sticks into the water for the dogs to retrieve. In doing so, the dog takes in salt water, vomits or develops diarrhea which does not get picked up and the sand becomes grossly contaminated, the only record being “Oh, I’m so sorry” from the irresponsible dog owner.
Late last summer, a dog came up behind me and lifted his leg on my beach chair, a short while later, another dog came to claim his spot on the chair. Time to leave a beautiful day on the beach!
Another person decided to bring his goat to the beach dragging the goat down a step beach path on a half rope, leaving a trail of goat food in the path just to ensure this goat gets to the beach! To top it off, a visiting friend decides to bring his goat to the beach. The goat wanders, lays down behind a random beach chair to get out of the sun and owner says, “Oh, I am so sorry.” Two idiots!
I have one question for these people. Would you wear a fur coat to the beach, hang around to drink salt water, get sick and think this is a fun day? This is cruelty to animals not to mention other beachgoers.
Del and Margaret Walker
Canandaigua, N.Y.
Comments
We are so glad to see others
Susan C. Lake Tisbury and "Vida" OregonWe are so glad to see others finally speak out about obvious summer and some new island folks who are not only abusing the privilege but are blatantly abusing and arrogantly disobeying basically ALL our laws, bylaws as they leave all their common sense, respect and courtesy in the trash can when the buy their ticket to the island in Woods Hole!
As a several generational year-round native I am offended!
They also park their cars, trucks, vans and rickshaws on our very fragile dunes and allow their kids to play ball, take family pictures and let their small kids use the dunes as toilets then leave dippers there. Parents leave a terrible example for their kids and we see this getting worst year after year!
In closing be advised, you are not "entitled" to come to our island and treat it like a cheep caravel ride and we expect that you act as we do when we visit your hometowns and states which is with RESPECT and would hope you raise your children to do the same. We also teach that they not be afraid to speak out when we and our island are treated in such a disrespectful and disgraceful manner without feeling that we are being politically incorrect and offending everybody!
We would recommend that for all those concerned citizens simply call the non-emergency communications number at *508-693-1212* and covertly report any and all violations! The police are happy to respond as that also creates great revenue which is so badly needed to clean up in September.
Because only a couple / few people have spoken up in the past we now have this terrible mess and to those few that have fought to bring awareness and enforcement to this and other island issues our family thanks you very much!
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