No Dogs at Boat Launch

[Bear Islander]

Originally Posted by Weirs guy

I see your points Bear Islander, but I still say that an occasional doggie present is no worse than:

1. the rainbow covered slick on the water I have to swim through behind my neighbors boats.
2. mcmansion mclawn mcfertilizers.
3. whatever the bears, deers and other critters are doing in the lake and on the shore.
4. whatever the birds hanging out by the pier do in the water.

Petroleum and fertilizer contamination of water are a problem, but again, they have not caused any beaches to be closed down on Winni. But what is your argument here? Other people pollute so its OK if my dog craps in your drinking water? Not really a viable excuse!

The feces of wild animals also contain coliform but what makes you think they are leaving them at the lakes edge? An animal may deposit them anywhere but dogs are led to the waters edge by their owners, sometimes by a chain. It is the concentration in one area that causes bacteria levels to rise above what is considered safe.

Beaches and waterfront parks do not prohibit dogs because they don't like dogs. It's because of the concentration of sources for coliform bacteria.

[Argie's Wife]

...not just that, but why would you and the family WANT to frequent a beach that's full of doggie landmines?

If dog owners were more responsible to pick up after Fido when he goes, then this wouldn't be an issue...

[LilacHill]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

...not just that, but why would you and the family WANT to frequent a beach that's full of doggie landmines?

If dog owners were more responsible to pick up after Fido when he goes, then this wouldn't be an issue...

That's my point. A permit, log in, something is better than nothing. And we always pick up all the poo we see even if it wasn't our dogs that left it.

[Lakewinniboater]

Originally Posted by LilacHill

That's my point. A permit, log in, something is better than nothing. And we always pick up all the poo we see even if it wasn't our dogs that left it.

Part of it may be that SOME people are afraid of dogs. I love them.... but some HUMANS are terrified of dogs. Some of them might be ones making the rules!

You say that yours are terriers in an earlier post..... they are pit bull terriers. Some people are afraid of them BECAUSE of irresponsibly people that trained them inappropriately.

I know that there has been unfair treatment and I am sure that you don't like Breed Specific Legislation.... and not being able to get Home Owners Insurance from some companies.

HOWEVER, that is life. the GFBL boats don't like being singled out or banned either. It is life and unfortunately it happens to everyone at some point.

I think it would be a better use of time to search for another spot and fall in love with going there and except the situation.

Just my 2 cents

[hazelnut]

Let me start by saying I love dogs, I've had dogs. However, there are many people out there who do not share our love of dogs. There are also many people who have a phobia concerning dogs. At a public beach/boat launch those people should not be subjected to dogs. I'm sure there are dog parks and plenty of places where dogs are welcome.

Looking at it from the perspective of health and safety it is not a good idea for dogs to be in that area. Besides It is only a matter of time before somebody sues somebody or the town for a dog bite or an owner suing when his fido is killed by a boater.

I think the solution would be a Designated Dog Swim Area. Not to lobby against opening a Boat Launch to dog swimming.

[Rose]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

The feces of wild animals also contain coliform but what makes you think they are leaving them at the lakes edge?

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll...73280638302418

Also, this snippet from a Save the Harbor/Save the Bay report indicates children who wear diapers should be added to the list of potential sources of contamination.

"What causes beach closures?
The SAC explored the causes of beach closures and identified an
extensive list of potential sources of beach contamination. Sources
considered include combined sewer overflows (CSOs), stormwater,
untreated sewage from leaky pipes and illegal hookups that empty
into storm sewers, waste from recreational and commercial vessels,
and sediments contaminated by pathogens. Other sources, which
potentially impact beaches, include pet waste, sea and shore birds,
and dirty diapers on the beaches."

Let's face it, parents, whether they be of two-legged or four-legged children, who don't clean up after their children are problems. Of course, if you say anything against a two-legged child, you're verbally lynched.

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by Bear Islander

Petroleum and fertilizer contamination of water are a problem, but again, they have not caused any beaches to be closed down on Winni. But what is your argument here? Other people pollute so its OK if my dog craps in your drinking water? Not really a viable excuse!

The feces of wild animals also contain coliform but what makes you think they are leaving them at the lakes edge? An animal may deposit them anywhere but dogs are led to the waters edge by their owners, sometimes by a chain. It is the concentration in one area that causes bacteria levels to rise above what is considered safe.

Beaches and waterfront parks do not prohibit dogs because they don't like dogs. It's because of the concentration of sources for coliform bacteria.

My argument is that if the ban is a result of animal waste contaminating the water, then lets ban ALL the things that do. Are you insinuating that since petroleum and fertilizer haven't caused any beach closings then there ok to put in someone else's drinking water? Of course not. As you stated, other people polluting is not a viable excuse for you to do so.

As to beach closings, I personally find it hard to believe that the yearly beach closings are a only direct result of dog poo poo in the lake. While its certainly a contributing factor, I can't believe its the only cause. So again, if we're banning dogs from the lake, lets get rid of the other pollutants too.

I guess my point is its easy to stop the other guy from being the issue, until we are the other guy. I'd like nothing better then to never see a boat, vacationer or "summer resident" around the lake again, but they all have the same right to a good time as I do. Just as LilacHill's doggies have the same right to swim in the lake as people do (based on the fact that LilacHill's taxes help pay for the ramp upkeep, just like the residents with boats do).

Anywho, I'll agree to disagree with you and look forward to your rebuttal.

[Bear Islander]

I don't think dogs are the reason for beaches being closed. Mostly because dogs are not allowed on beaches.

Dogs, failed septic systems and dirty beach diapers are all sources of coliform bacteria. Add what nature supplies from birds and other animals and you have unsafe water for drinking or swimming.