Volusia County beaches could become dog-friendly

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County is considering letting all of its beaches go to the dogs.

Dogs are banned from nearly all of the county's 40-mile coast, but a proposal would open the beaches to beach goers and their four-legged friends.

Smyrna Dunes Park is one of the only parks in the county that allows dogs.

New York resident Bob Frankel was walking his dog Moo-Moo along the beach Friday. He likes the idea of opening making more of the county beaches dog-friendly.

"I think we would come back more often with the dog. It's because it's hard to have the dog stay with anybody," said Frankel
       
County leaders aren't totally sold on the idea. They plan to test it out with a three month pilot program that has some ground  rules.

Under the plan, dogs wouldn't be allowed on  the beach between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Dogs will have to be on leashes and owners will have to clean up after their pets.

Indiana visitor Ed O'Neill said it would make it much easier to navigate the beaches with his dog, without worrying if he's breaking the rules.

"We're a little uncomfortable with where the boundary is," said Ed O'Neill.

A February public hearing will be held before dogs are allowed on the beaches.

If the county approves the ordinance, they'll discuss enforcement procedures to make sure people are following the rules.

WFTV