Topsail Beach could tighten the leash on beach rules

TOPSAIL BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Topsail Beach police are hammering down on their dog ordinances.

Police Chief Sam Gervase said they have been giving out more citations than ever for people letting their dog off the leash on the beach.

Vacationer Heather Nowell said Topsail Beach is one of her favorite vacation spots, because she can bring her dog Shep with her. While she said she always follows the rules, Gervase said some dog owners do not.

“Unfortunately, the dogs off the leash have become a bigger problem than they were in previous years,” Gervase said.

He said last summer they gave out 34 citations total. This year, he said they have already given out 86. The fine is $25.

“Which I understand is a little less than what some other beach towns are,” Gervase said.

He said some people they have caught tell them they come to Topsail Beach, because of that small fine.

“For the purpose of letting their dog run off the beach, because the fine is so small,” Gervase said.

Gervase said that fine is in place for safety.

“With a dog on a leash, they are a lot less likely to be bit or to bite other people,” Gervase said.

Gervase said they only see a handful of bites every year right now. If the leashes do not get used, he said the fines could go up or dogs could be out.

“I’d hate to see that,” Gervase said. “I really would, but I look at other towns that have done that and I can’t help but think maybe they’ve gone along the same path and they’re just a couple years ahead of us.”

Nowell does not want to see that happen.

“It’d be like, if I had kids and I couldn’t bring my kids to the beach,” Nowell said.

She said Shep stays on her leash. If everyone else follows, Gervase said the town will not have to consider that path and Shep can keep his paws in the sand.