The Town Council has been appreciative of all the input they have received on the subject of regulations pertaining to dogs on the beach in Orchid. Myriad letters, photographs, and videos have been submitted, and there was in-person participation at the March 2 meeting as well. All this information provided insight into a wide range of viewpoints, proposed a variety of suggestions, and highlighted some of the challenges the Town faces regarding enforcement.
The current regulations are as follows:
- Dogs shall be permitted on beaches located within the corporate limits of the town provided that such dogs are under the care, custody or control of their caretakers. For purposes of this section, the term "care, custody and control" means that dogs are leashed or physically restrained by their caretakers, or are visible to and under the voice control of their caretakers.
- Caretakers shall be responsible for picking up and depositing their dog's fecal matter in a trash receptacle.
- Dogs shall not be permitted on the dunes and shall not disturb any sea turtle nests which may be located along the beach.
The last meeting included a presentation from the Town's legal counsel regarding the applicable legal framework for regulations on the beach and how the various laws and rules on our beach fit together. The Town Council has now scheduled a special meeting to be held March 25 starting at 10 a.m. to discuss how to proceed; whether the current regulations should remain or be amended, and how enforcement might be handled. Residents are of course encouraged to attend again.
Public input received in the form of letters and other media can be made available to anyone interested in access. Additional letters and media received at Town Hall will continue to be shared with the Town Council. To make requests for previously submitted materials or submit new materials, email the Town Clerk.