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Slight majority favor allowing dogs on state beaches

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Canine fans celebrated National Dog Day last month. In honor of the occasion and of the hot summer weather, the  Live Free or Die Alliance (LFDA) asked Facebook members, “Should dogs be allowed on NH state beaches?” 

A total of 86% of respondents answered the question directly or with a concurrence, and of these a 58% majority were in favor of allowing dogs on beaches with 42% opposed. Of the remaining respondents, 12% opted to discuss the subject in broader terms while 2% commented on unrelated issues. In sum, 313 citizens participated in the discussion with a total of 508 responses. 

Supporters  spoke of considering their dogs members of the family, and noted how much their pets enjoy a chance to visit the beach. “We would love to be able to bring our dogs to the beaches,” one commenter wrote. “Dogs should be allowed. If owners don't clean up, they should be fined,” another suggested. “I don't have a problem with dogs on the beach. People need to relax,” a respondent said. 

Opponents cited health and safety concerns related to dog waste or the potential for an animal to become aggressive. “Dog owners are not responsible enough. A few ruin it for the many,” one commenter said. “The dogs can stay at home, or their owners can bring them to places where they are specifically welcome,” a citizen suggested. “Dogs don’t belong in big crowds or on the beaches,” another argued. 

Those who opted not to give a yes or no response discussed broader issues, such as whether dogs could have a designated area or time when they were permitted. Others questioned the effectiveness of laws regulating the behavior of pet owners. “There are dogs all over the beaches, and many are doing their business everywhere. Most do not pick up after their dogs. If they're not going to enforce one law, why would they enforce any other?”

Click here to read the full Facebook discussion for this question. 

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