The City of Cape Town’s Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department is in the process of installing new signage on its beaches to outline the rules regarding the presence of dogs.
“Dogs on our beaches are at times a contentious issue, which has sparked much public debate,” says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Tandeka Gqada.
“In Cape Town we are very fortunate to have a long and varied coastline which offers recreational opportunities to a wide range of beach users. For many, dog-walking is an important part of their coastal experience as well as a form of social recreation. However, the City also recognises that dogs can, at times, negatively impact on the experience of other beach users. They have as much right to a dog-free environment as others have to a dog-friendly environment.
“As an Inclusive City, we are doing our best to ensure that the City’s beaches are shared and available for everyone’s enjoyment. For this reason, the City has allocated a mix of dog-free beaches where no dogs are allowed; beaches where dogs are allowed on leads at certain times; and beaches where dogs are allowed to run free.”
To this end, the Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department has started installing new signage which:
- clearly indicates the rules for that particular beach, especially related to dog-walking
- is visible
- indicates the nearest dog-friendly beach if dogs are not permitted
The City appeals to dog-walkers to adhere to the various dog-related signs on City beaches. City Law Enforcement Officers will actively enforce the rules according to the new signs.
There are 72 public beaches within the City’s jurisdiction. It is imperative that members of the public first determine the rules that apply to their preferred beach before taking their dog/s onto the beach. Key coastal recreation points where the majority of people gather have been allocated as dog-free zones. However, the City has allocated areas adjacent to these beaches or small parts of the nodal areas for people who wish to walk their dogs on the coastline. These areas include:
- West of Gordon’s Bay main beach
- Sections of the following beaches: Sunrise, Blue Waters, Strandfontein, Clovelly, Fish Hoek, Glencairn, Mackerel, Long Beach (Simon’s Town), Windmill, Frank’s Bay, Fisherman’s, Long Beach (Kommetjie), Middle section of Hout Bay Beach, Glen, Clifton 1st, Sunset (Sea Point), Mouille Point, Sunset (Milnerton), Dolphin, and Van Riebeeckstrand
All beach areas between nodal beach points are dog-friendly beaches.
In cases where signage is not clear, members of the public are advised to enquire with a beach manager or Law Enforcement Officer.
