Dogs Now Allowed On Ocean City Beaches, But Keep Them Leashed

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The dog days of summer are over, and now pooches around Ocean City can have their day. Dogs are now allowed on city beaches as of Thursday and can enjoy them through April 30.

Dogs must be leashed at all times. Police have received several complaints in recent weeks about unleashed dogs, according to officials.

Authorities will patrol beaches. Violators are subject to fines up to $500.

Ocean City's ordinances have the following provisions:

• “Any dog off the property of either the owner or person exercising custody of such animal, shall be on a leash not exceeding six (6') feet in length and of sufficient strength to restrain the dog. The leash shall be held by a person of sufficient strength and maturity so as to be capable of controlling the dog.”
• “No dog, whether on a leash or not, shall be permitted on the boardwalk or any public platform, pavilion, ramp, or steps adjacent or leading thereto, nor shall any dog, whether on a leash or not, be permitted to be carried, carted, transferred, or transported by any person or in any object, on or above any portion of the boardwalk, or in any public platform, pavilion, ramp, or steps adjacent or leading thereto. No dog, whether on a leash or not, shall be permitted upon any publicly owned park or playground.”
• “From March 15 through April 30, dogs are not permitted: 1) In the area from the Longport Bridge to the terminal groin; and 2) In the area between 18th Street and 34th Street.”

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