dogs on the beaches this summer what are the rules?

Every day, many dog ​​owners walk their pets on coastal beaches. A breath of fresh air becomes less and less possible with the arrival of the summer season and tourists. Hygiene and safety, municipalities have already banned animals from accessing beaches, such as in Dunkirk, where the rules are not always clear for animal lovers…

Early morning on the sand at Malo-les-Bains, a beach in Dukerque. Not a beachgoer on the horizon, but hikers and some, with their dog, like this German tourist and her little Balisto. “is it not allowed? Several people told me I had the right to walk here with the dog… Oh, that’s good to know!“, thank you Sandra.

In fact, it is forbidden to walk your dog, even on a leash, between April 1 and October 31 in the sands of Dunkerque-Malo.

Juliette, owner of Duke, understands that there are times when it is authorized when there is none. Certain areas, such as this part of the beach on the pier side, are known to be dog-friendly because they are extremely crowded… And yet it’s forbidden there too.

Jean-Marc and Jean-Marie, owners of two dogs that party and run all over the beach, acknowledge a lack of knowledge of the rules. “It is not very clear. We absolutely must have specific areas for our dogs and for their freedom.“, assesses one of them and makes sure they pick up their animal’s excrement.

According to the municipality, the purpose of this periodic ban is to protect wildlife in certain places, but also water quality and the tranquility of beachgoers.

“We have really relaxed the rules since 2015 to really take the animal into account. They can walk on the dyke, on a leash and then to the wind farm, where we have made an area available for dogs“, explains Bruno Kurzawski, director of services at Malo-les-Bain town hall. An area much further away from the heavy summer crowds… Otherwise it’s on a leash and on the dyke, with a fine of 35 euros.

Thomas Millot and Flavien Bellouti / FTV