Freedom • The surf’s up for Long Beach dogs who can now run through the waves without a leash after the Long Beach City Council decided Tuesday that this "Dog Zone" will be a permanent off-leash zone.• Tracey Roman / Daily Forty-Niner

Rest • Reba, Maggie and Ruby take a chance to relax under the rays at Long Beach’s Newest Dog Spot. • Tracey Roman / Daily Forty-Niner

 

Dogs off their leashes in Long Beach City Council decision

By Araceli Larios
Daily Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer

The Long Beach City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to make the "Dog Zone" in Belmont Shore the only dog beach in Los Angeles County to not require a leash.

A 15-month pilot program allowed dogs to run leash-free on the 3-acre area and beginning Nov. 1 the "Dog Zone" will be a permanent off-leash zone.

Before initiating the pilot program, Justin Rudd, a Belmont Shore dog-beach founder and organizer, hosted 20 events where dogs were permitted to run leash-free. "I’ve worked three years to make this off-leash dog zone a reality," Rudd said.

With the efforts of Rudd and other activists, dogs can now be on the beach legally after 36 years in Long Beach according to the Dog Zone Web site.

Robert Hamleton, a marine safety officer said, "It’s bringing people to use a beach that once was a barren area." Hamleton also said that instead of walking the dog around a block, both dog and master can enjoy the sounds of the waves and the scenery that Long Beach has to offer.

Each adult is permitted to take only one dog and children must be accompanied by an adult, according to rules set by the City Council.

"We are supportive of this project, but we expect the "Dog Zone" patrons to step up the number of volunteers to educate the public," said Geoff Hall, director of special projects for Long Beach parks and recreation.