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Adog beach is a publicbeach area designated as adog park. The spaces allow dogs to swim recreationally as well as playoff-leash with their human companions and other dogs. Many are true beaches located along thecoasts of major bodies of water, while some, such as the dog beach atProspect Park Lake inBrooklyn, are simplyponds,reservoirs, orinland lakes designated for dogs.[1][2]
Despite being maintained by municipalities and public organizations, some beaches require a fee for access, while some charge specifically for nearby parking. Others are free entirely.[3] Some dog beaches constitute fenced-off portions of larger public beaches.[4]
Some beaches, despite allowing the presence of leashed dogs, will assess fines if dogs are discovered off-leash; these are generally not designated as dog beaches.[5]
Dog beaches can face threats from a lack of political support, and challenges such as funding availability and maintenance can lead to their closure.[6][7][8] Some may also suffer from an unwillingness to invest in improvements such as accessible infrastructure.[9]
Some dog beaches can expose dogs to harmfulbacteria from the presence of feces and other contaminants in the water, particularly in small inland bodies of water.[1] A study of dog beaches inMonterey County, California, found that dogs contributed significant levels of fecal contamination in the water.[10]
Conservationists sometimes oppose the presence of dogs on beaches due to their potential to threaten wildlife species, including vulnerable nesting birds.[11] Some ecologists believe dogs disrupt marine ecosystems in indirect ways, such as by dispersing scavengers.[12]
The value of coastline can make it difficult to secure the space necessary to host a dog beach; for instance,Los Angeles County, California, the United States' most populous county, only offers one dog beach.[5]
Rosie's Dog Beach, a popular park inLong Beach, California, features a nearby concession stand named Monty's Dog Beach, which serves refreshments for dogs and humans as well as a dog agility course.[13]
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