Virginia Beach-goers, take caution. While the city still allows dogs to go leashless on the beach, a terrifying incident involving the death of a poodle reminds us to be watchful.
OCN is here to tell you what you need to do to follow the new posted Virginia Beach rules.
Three years after a leashless dog attacked another, Virginia Beach implemented new rules regarding dogs on the beach and boardwalk. (Courtesy of Travel and Leisure).
Three years ago, an unleashed dog killed a toy poodle on Virginia Beach. Now, the city of Virginia Beach is taking action, posting rules that remind owners to be extra vigilant if they allow their dog to go unleashed on the beach at allocated times, according to the Virgininian-Pilot. The rules are posted at beach access points from North End and 44nd through 89th street, according to the article.
According to the Virginia Beach government, "leashed pets are allowed on the boardwalk and may be off-leash on the beach."
But there's a catch. Pets are only allowed to linger on the sand at North End above 42nd Street or at South End in the Sandbridge Area before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. In the summer, dogs must remain on leashes if they go onto the boardwalk and are only allowed there from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Dogs are not allowed on the resort beach at any time, according to the Virginia Beach website.
On Christmas Day in 2015, a large, unleashed dog ran up to and attacked Petey, a black toy poodle. Petey died as a result of his injuries, and neither dog was wearing restraints, according to the Virginian-Pilot. The tragedy happened in North End.
As a result, community members gathered and created "Johnson for a Safer Beach," an unofficial committee that worked with the Animal Advisory Board to create "dog etiquette" guidelines for pet owners. The city later approved the guidelines after the committee brought them to the North End civic league, according to the Virginian-Pilot.
What do you think? Should dogs be allowed to run on the beach off-leash? Weigh in below!
