HAGAR TOWNSHIP—
A day at the beach can be fun for the whole family, and for many that includes the family dog. But one Berrien County township wants to ban our four-legged friends.The ban would affect two beaches in Hagar Township in northern Berrien County. The area is well know for its dog-friendly beaches and attracts people from as far as Detroit and St. Louis who want to let their pups play in the waves.
But earlier this month, Hagar Township trustees voted 3 to 2 to ban dogs at Hagar and Roadside beaches. Trustees say they've received complaints about aggressive dogs and owners not cleaning up after their pets.
Township trustee Tim Sewcyck, who presented the issue to the council, says it's the few that are ruining it for the many.
"These are irresponsible dog owners that have caused the problem,” he said. “This isn't where the township decided ‘Well, let's go out and pick on somebody today.’ This is something that was handed to us as a problem, so it's something we have to deal with."
Opponents of the ban say there are other options available. Many say there isn't enough signage telling pet owners what is expected of them.
"If you educate people and tell them what you expect, make your expectations known and give them the means to do the right thing, I think in general it would be less of a problem," said Michael Clement, a dog owner and opponent to the ban.
Trustees still have to draft and pass an ordinance for the ban. Sewcyck said this doesn't have to be the final solution.
"At least it's a start to get something done," Sewcyck said.
But Clement and other opponents still hope a compromise can still be reached.
"We have two parks in Hagar Township, not just one,” said Clement. “If they have a problem with dogs, we can always send the dog people to one park and have the people who oppose dogs come to the other."
According to puremichigan.com, there are 14 dog-friendly beaches along Lake Michigan. Hagar Township residents would now have to travel more than 30 minutes to get to the nearest one.
The group opposed to the ban has created a Facebook page devoted to the topic as well as a Twitter account. They plan to start distributing a petition soon.
