Council OKs extended dog hours

Dogs will get more beach time this summer.

The City Council on Tuesday amended the municipal code to allow leashed dogs to frolic on city beaches until 9 a.m., starting June 15, which expands their time by an hour longer a day and two weeks.

The vote was 4 to 1, with Mayor Pro Tem Jane Egly opposed.

“We should send this to the Environmental Committee,” Egly said.

Recently appointed Recreation Committee member Stacy Dugger initiated the amendment. She would have liked to let the dogs back on the beaches at 5 p.m., but city lifeguards advised the committee that the beaches are still crowded until 6 p.m. in the summer.

The council also approved the committee’s recommendation that the summer restrictions end Sept. 10 rather than Sept. 16. Winter hours permit leashed dogs on city beaches until 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Dogs — on- or off-leash — are prohibited at Bluebird Park at all times, from Boat Canyon Park between June 15 and Sept. 15, and from Heisler Park at times fixed by the council.

Public school grounds are also off-limits to dogs, unless authorized by the Laguna Beach Unified School District, as well as tot lots and playground equipment areas in any city park or beach.

The prohibitions do not apply to dogs in obedience classes sponsored by the city Recreation Department or to guide dogs for the blind.

The amended ordinance will go into effect April 18.