Long Islanders Petition State To Allow Dogs On Beaches

HUNTINGTON, NY — The Long Island Dog Owners Group, based in Huntington, is petitioning for Long Islanders with dogs to be allowed to bring their four-legged friends to certain beaches on the island.

The petition, addressed to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York state senators and New York state assembly members, has nearly 2,700 signatures as of Thursday morning. The New York State Office of Parks, which manages 14,000 acres of Long Island parks that have shoreline access, prevents "ALL" access to state beaches on Long Island to dog owners, the petition claims.

"Denying access to so much recreational space to dog owners who pay taxes that support this public parkland is unacceptable," the petition reads. "For many people, walking, running and playing with their dogs outdoors is their main recreational activity. People with dogs have the right to enjoy access to recreational space just like hikers, bikers, joggers or anyone else."

The group, LI-DOG, said it is not asking for dog owners' access to NYS beaches where people swim and there are lifeguards during summer. Instead, the group wants people with dogs to be able to access non-lifeguarded beaches and shorelines appropriate for dogs.

"It’s time for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State elected officials to lift the ban on dogs on Long Island beaches," the group wrote. "Denying access to this major public recreational resource to taxpaying citizens is unacceptable."

The group urged The Office of Parks to work with LI-DOG to designate appropriate beaches for people to take their dogs for exercise and recreation.

The Office of Parks issued a statement to Patch in response to LI-DOG's petition and cited past issues among other concerns as to why dogs are banned from most beaches.

"Current New York State Parks regulations for Long Island that ban dogs from beaches are based on longstanding concerns over sanitary issues and potential impacts on native wildlife, including threatened and migratory shorebirds, as well as delicate beachfront flora," the office stated. "Past issues of non-compliance, some of which have led to complaints by other patrons, have resulted in uncollected dog waste and aggressive incidents between dogs and other beach patrons."

In recent years, access for dog owners was expanded at state parks in non-beachfront areas, with signage being updated accordingly, wrote the office. Planning is ongoing for a dog park at Belmont Lake State Park for use by unleashed dogs and their owners, which would be a first for the region, the office said.

"Current State Park rules regarding non-beachfront areas where dogs are allowed require that dogs be kept on a leash of no more than six feet at all times," the office stated. "Regulations that apply to all State Parks also specifically prohibit pets from disturbing other Parks patrons or wildlife."