Hello SM,
What will it take for SM to react to the overwhelming presence of dogs on our beaches? A tragedy? The other day at Lifeguard Tower 22, where all the volleyball courts are, my 3 year old grandson was attacked by an unleashed big dog owned by one of the volleyball players. Fortunately nothing terrible happened, we were quick enough to avoid any contact with the aggressive animal, but the kid was crying and very scared.
A few days later, the same dog was jumping freely at the beach and the owner, when confronted again, was oblivious. The signs are very clear: NO DOGS are allowed on the beach, yet dogs are roaming freely, jumping and running unleashed. Where is the Animal Control unit that should enforce this rule? Local police say it is not their responsibility, so who is it? Are we waiting for someone to be hurt, perhaps mauled?
I think this is a problem that needs to be addressed, because as the city laxes on enforcement, owners feel entitled to bring their dogs everywhere, including beaches and playgrounds.
I think it would be less costly for the city to activate the sleeping Animal Control Department and get them to do their job, and not wait for a huge lawsuit, if, God forbid, a tragedy were to occur. BTW, I cannot even find an email to contact the Animal Control people, wonder why...
Sincerely,
Luca Bentivoglio, Santa Monica
