No dogs allowed (on Tybee)
By Miles Johnson
The saying goes that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. The supporters of a pro-canine movement on Tybee Island, however, are trying to do just that.
For years, dogs have been in the same category as alcoholic beverages and fire when it comes to their place on Tybee beach: not welcome. But last October, the restriction was reconsidered by the Tybee City Council, and since then a campaign has been gaining strength. The Dogs on Tybee Beach Facebook group has over 4,000 members.
Bill Gillespie, the founder of the group and a resident of Tybee Island, will be presenting his argument to the city council on Feb. 11.
“We’re not doing anything radical,” Gillespie said in regards to the campaign.
It’s true. Hilton Head, Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island all permit dogs on the beach. These locales have not faced sanitation or public safety issues, which are the main concerns of those who wish to keep dogs off of Tybee beach. Supporters of dogs on Tybee believe that if these neighboring islands can manage dogs successfully, so can Tybee.
According to the group, allowing dogs on the beach would enhance more than the quality of life on the island. Tourism revenue, as well, could see an increase.
“Tybee is completely off the table if you want to vacation with your pet,” Gillespie pointed out.
The group maintains that for a city looking to net more tourists year round, allowing dogs on the beach would make Tybee a more attractive vacation destination. Also, the current ordinance may be a deterrent to investors. Gillespie spoke of someone who had looked to buy a $2 million home on Tybee, but took their money elsewhere when they learned of the island’s unique policy.
But change is in the air. The mayor of Tybee has been supportive of the effort to have the ordinance changed. At the Feb. 11 council meeting, Dogs on Tybee will propose a six-day test run allowing canines on the sand.
The plan would require owners to have their dogs on leashes. They would be restricted to specific areas of the beach and to certain hours of the day. Plastic bags and disposal cans would be provided, and keeping the beach clean of waste would be the owner’s responsibility. Gillespie has faith that the people of Tybee will follow the rules.
“When you give people a privilege,” Gillespie explained, “they will rise to the occasion.”
As of now, the specifics of permitting dogs on the beach are flexible. The purpose of the test run is to see what works and what doesn’t. If the trial run is successful, it could only be a matter of weeks before residents and tourists can finally walk their dogs on Tybee beach.
More information on Dogs on Tybee is available their Facebook group “Dogs on the Beach! Tybee Island, Georgia.” or visiting their Web site.
