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| Belgian
sheepdog contemplates the Pacific at Stinson
Beach, CA.
Copyright © 2003 Jeremy McCreary, www.cliffshade.com. |
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Heal
the Bay recognizes the need for dog parks in
highly urban Southern California. However,
we believe
that people are more likely to become ill after
swimming at "dog beaches" or beaches that allow
dogs to run and play in the surfzone or on areas
of the beach that are subject to tides. Thus,
Heal the Bay does not support dog beaches that
allow
dogs in the water or on any part of the beach
that is subject to the tide.
Even
if dog owners diligently
remove dog feces, small amounts of fecal matter
will remain on the sand and contaminate the
water. Animal feces may carry viruses and other
pathogens
that may cause illness to exposed humans, especially
in children. Children tend to play in the swash
zone where fecal contamination is greatest;
they tend to ingest more water than the average
swimmer;
and epidemiological studies indicate that they
are more susceptible to illnesses associated
with swimming in water contaminated with fecal
bacteria.
Also, people with compromised immune systems,
including the elderly, are also more susceptible
to water-borne
diseases
Heal
the Bay's recommendations for
dog parks located at public beaches (see sidebar
on right) balances the need for such facilities
in urbanized Southern
California with protection of public health.
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