Last night in a 4 - 1 decision by the Manhattan Beach City Council approval was granted to the Parks and Recreation Department to allow dogs on leash at Bruce’s Beach park in Manhattan Beach. In addition, the Council voted unanimously to expand on-leash walk-through areas at Sand Dune Park and Polliwog Park. The meeting included community involvement by people on both sides of the issue. Most people came out to speak out about Bruce’s Beach Park. Residents with dogs around the park spoke in favor of being able to have equal access to the park and residents without dogs spoke against. The big issue? Waste. Stepping in, running around or laying a blanket on a place where there is or once was dog waste was the argument against opening the park to dogs. Dog owners argued that there was no evidence that NOT opening the park to dogs legally (as people are illegally using it now) would prevent the dog waste issue. By allowing dogs legally in the park, it would create a community of owners who valued the benefit so much they would be extra vigilant in cleaning up after their pets and other’s pets who were less responsible.

At the end of the night, after about 3 hours of community speakers, the City Council gave approval for access to dogs on leash for a trial period of 3 months. During this 3 month “test”, residents would be asked to make reports of any problems and the Community Dog Advisory Committee would be asked to report all complaints and responses to the access to City Council at the end of the trial period. In addition, the Council advised the committee to go back and do homework on a location within Polliwog park that could be used for the same purpose.

This is a huge success for those of us who have fought for equal access in the parks here in Manhattan Beach! We are a unique city, in that we are the only city within miles who do NOT allow dogs on leash in parks. It seems that no one knows where this ban began or why. We’re working an uphill battle for equal access in all parks. As we move forward, we will be working on community requests for more dog parks, access to parks with our dogs and on leash access to walkways connecting our city areas. Hard to believe it’s this challenging to share our city with our furry friends. Enjoy your sunsets here and clean up after your pets!

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