No place for dogs on beaches

Beaches may be a public area, but this doesn't mean that everyone can use them at will, let alone in a manner contrary to the public interest, safety and health. The presence of dogs on beaches can be taken for granted by their owners who want to be accompanied by their pet, as permitted by law, but the problems they cause cannot go unnoticed or be ignored. Specifically, the law states that dogs are forbidden to move freely on beaches and swim in the sea, with the municipalities responsible for putting notices which will clearly stte this prohibition. Violators are punished with a fine of 50 to 150 euros, while the complainants may contact the local port authorities. The amount of fines set depend on the size of the violation. However, the right of dog owners to carry on the beaches under certain conditions generally isn't removed. In particular, the Regulation states: in prohibitions coastal locations with no frequented bathers are not included. Therefore, the existence of bathers in a marine region is a prerequisite for the designation of the area and the application of the prohibition.

In the event that on a beach, in which bathers aren't present, someone takes his animal with him and baths him within the marine space, then the owner doesn't commit an offense. If, however, bathers arrive, then the owner of the animal must either remove it or immobilize it to a specific point, so it doesn't move within the area and is at a safe distance from swimmers. Yet, according to Law 4039/2012, as well as the pre-existing 3170/2003, the walk of a dog in public open spaces is allowed, provided it doesn't move freely and is always with an escort (Article 5 § 3).

So, the dog may follow its owner in any outdoor public area and beaches, organized or not, provided they are always accompanied and that the owner always carries its health book, to prove that it is vaccinated, if it is requested, since the law overrides the circular. The law could be ideal if societies were ideal. And we explain: How can someone who has been with his children on the beach be sure that the dog lying next to them is actually vaccinated? How does one know if the dog doesn't carry any infectious disease or fleas? One might reply that we should show confidence to the owner of the dog that meets the conditions for the presence of the animal on the beach and provide for the safety and health of those who are also there.

Again, however, how one can anyone become complacent when the same owners of pets, which often exaggerate themselves to defending the rights of quadruped, don't clean after their pet, ignoring the most elementary rules of hygiene? Moreover, how can a bather be sure that his presence on the beach won't end up in a nightmare, when dozens or hundreds of incidents of bloody attacks by dogs have been recorded worldwide? And of course, we aren't referring to stray attacks, as the dog shown in the video below, which literally scattered panic in the coast of Spain:

Unfortunately, there are many other instances where dogs were on beaches along with their masters and escaped their attention to attack swimmers, causing scratches and bites until mortally wounds. It's worth to mention the case of a swimmer on a beach in Australia, Roy Hare, who was attacked by a pit bull terrier when he was swimming, thereby injured his shoulder. He even said that fortunately the dog attacked him and not some kid, because then the injuries may have been much more serious. "The owner was apologetic, but it doesn't matter. He shall be responsible his dog" he said.

A more serious incident occurred on a beach in Britain, where a 30-year old man was injured very seriously by two dogs that were with their owner. According to an eyewitness, the dogs showed incredible aggression, biting him and returning to the owner briefly before finishing their attack on the victim. It should be noted that dogs even injured one of the police officers, who tried to stop them and save the unlucky 30 year old.

Animal rights are equally fundamental and inalienable with those of people and in no way should be violated or catalyzed. But, as in every case, the measure is what brings something to "excellent" and not frivolous decisions taken on the pretext of some supposedly sensitivities. The dog is undeniably the man's best friend. However this friendship can be realized and prosper in dozens of other places other than beaches. That is why it is imperative to restore the express prohibition of the presence of animals on the beaches...