CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

Dogs Could Get Extra Beach Time Despite Report’s Negatives

Dogs who love a romp on the beach could be in for an extra 90 minutes of fun as the Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission considers a change in the municipal code.

Currently, dogs are permitted on beaches year-round only before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., seven days a week. The change, if approved by the Commission and eventually by the City Council, would permit dogs until 10 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m.

Until 1989, dogs were permitted on beaches during winter days — a rule that some residents believe still is in place. According to a staff report (read the entire report here), confusion over the rule could be a big reason that beach violations resulted in 48 percent of the city’s animal control violations for 2009.

“Specifically, violations addressing animals off leash and on the beach account for 26.5% of cite activity, while animals on beach during prohibited hours made up for 21.2% of all citations by this unit,” the report said. “An increase in hours that dogs are permitted on the beach would place greater demands on enforcement staff to manage the activity and minimize violations for the enjoyment of beachgoers.”

The staff report also lists some other local cities that ban animals from beaches, as well as environmental concerns from animal waste and danger to Snowy Plover birds, which lay eggs in the spring on beaches.

From Little Corona State Beach to Crystal Cove is designated a state Marine Conservation Area and an area of biological significance.

In spite of the negative impact that animals pose to the beach that the staff report outlines, however, the Commissioners are considering adding the extra time.

The Commissioners will meet in Council Chambers at 7 p.m. tonight, and the public is welcome. Corona del Mar Today will cover the meeting and update this story as it develops.