Sent to the Cape Charles Mirror – “As recent property owners in Cape Charles, this is the first week that we have stayed in the town for the entire week. Also this is the first time that we have brought our dog on a vacation as we usually have a house sitter. We were able to find a pet friendly rental and as such were excited to bring our dog. We knew what the dog rules are in the beach area as we have read the regs and seen the beach rules. We have been pretty diligent as new owners to follow the rules. This is a very pet friendly community. What I have noticed however, lots of dogs on the beach after the 9am hour. I have been observing them on the beach even at 1 or 2 in the afternoon. So does the town not enforce this? If it isn’t enforced then what’s the point of having them? Are these visitors not reading the rules or choosing to ignore them, or are these residents that knowingly abuse the rules?
My kids have been giving me grief because they see others with their dogs and wonder why we can’t bring ours? Of course I tell them, just because someone else breaks the rules, doesn’t make it right for us to break them as well.
Just an observation during our first weekly stay.”
CC Mirror – “Sorry for the late reply, just got back from Hatteras; when I’m down there I don’t usually look at anything except the surf report, and that’s on the radio. I agree with you, but more, I think the dog ordinance is stupid. I’ve seen dogs on other beaches my entire life, and they rarely cause as much trouble as the people. I’m like you though, I follow the rules and don’t bring my dog there, although, as you noted, if it is not enforced, who cares? In most cases, I think people just don’t know and bring the dog with them.”
What is the general opinion of dogs on the beach? Please comment below, or send anonymously to capecharlesmirror@gmail.com.
I prefer not. While visiting there I seen people walking their dogs on the beach. One woman kicked sand on her dogs feces when he went right on the beach. Another person was going to leave his dogs business on beach, seen me look at him and cleaned it up. This to me is very unsanitary for the kids playing, running and digging in the sand.
I’d like to see the ability of having your dog sit on the beach with your family. Of course, when it has to go, you clean up after it…then sit again with your family! Does the present 9am to 9 pm rule only apply to walking your dog on the beach, or also sitting with your dog on the beach?
Dogs can ruin it for other beachgoers. Dogs have been known to pee on chairs and even people at the beach.
And the first time a dog harms another person then the owner should be harmed in the exact same way.
Keep your pleasure slave animal under control and off the beach between 9&9.
Oh, and you can call in people who disregard the rule. I’m going to start doing just that.
Thank you so much for your reply about dogs on the beach. It was only a simple question. I wondered if there was a section where you’re allowed to bring Fido to sit with you. Not walk but sit. When Fido must go, YOU get up and walk him to the curb to relieve himself, pick up, and then go back to your seat. I so appreciate your taking the time to answer.