Say NO to Pooch Prohibition!

Despite the high percentage of dog owners in Santa Cruz County, very few areas permit the presence of our furry friends on their premises. It has become a continuous struggle for dog owners to take their dogs with them on their daily excursions. In a town full of beaches, open range, and various outdoor adventures, there needs to be more lenient laws regarding our best companions.

A recent success for the City of Santa Cruz is the lifting of the 35 year dog ban downtown on Pacific Avenue. Supporters of the lift pointed to the fact that Carmel, which has been argued as the most dog friendly city in America, is only an hour away, and that Santa Cruz was one city in only a select few that instilled this type of ordinance regarding canines.

In an article published in The Santa Cruz Sentinel in 2010, owner of Zoccoli’s Deli on Pacific Avenue conducted a survey determining which merchants downtown would support the allowance of dogs in the area. “The vast majority are saying yes,” she said. Reasons behind the support include the fact that merchants believed this would appeal to a new market of customers and it would boost the dog-friendly tourism aspect of the town.

Finally after 35 years, the dog ban was instilled in 1976, the ban was lifted. However, worry still remains. The ban is on a three month probationary period in which threats will be determined. As cited also in The Santa Cruz Sentinel, some like Larry Pearson, owner of Pacific Cookie Co. say that ‘dogs could scare young children, create a tripping hazard with their leashes and contribute to uncleanliness downtown.’ The lift began September 1 so the hope for dog lovers is that owners will be responsible and thoughtful when taking advantage of this opportunity to overturn the ban for good.

Carmel has taken the exact opposite approach to dog ordinances. The city is generously dog-friendly and city members recognize the fact that it has been a positive aspect for Carmel. Carmel has been called the most dog friendly city in America, right alongside Los Gatos as well. Lisa Budlong, manager for The Visitor Center of the Carmel Chamber of Commerce was quoted in The Santa Cruz Sentinel saying, “We are definitely seeing people who come here because they can bring dogs.”

The allowance of canines on beaches, at cafés, on coffee shop patios, and even inside businesses upon shop owner’s approval, has boosted Carmel’s image and opened the doors to a new economic market for them in the tourism department as well as allowing them to successfully cater to their own Carmel Valley residents.

So, what’s the reason behind the negativity related to dog presence in Santa Cruz County? While some like Santa Cruz resident Michael Waters say, “Dogs downtown will cause chaos. There is potential for dog fights and irresponsible dog owners not cleaning up after their dogs,” others like dog owner and downtown lover Karisa McCallan say, “Of course there should be guidelines to having your dogs downtown. But I absolutely think it should be allowed as long as all rules are followed.”

Santa Cruz mayor Ryan Coonerty speaks of the allowance of dogs on beaches stating that, “The city allows dogs on a number of our beaches – Mitchell’s Beach, Its Beach (the part the city owns). Many of the beaches that don’t allow dogs are state beaches.” Being a dog owner myself, I realize how much dogs enjoy the beach. It is essential for our pets to exercise and the beach allows them the perfect opportunity to run.

Again, guidelines should definitely be in place, but when they are met, dog presence poses little or no threat to the surrounding people and places. Not to mention these cuddly furry creatures have all the potential in the world to brighten up your day!