Could your dog join you at the beach on Tybee Island this winter?

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — Dogs are currently banned on Tybee Island’s beaches, but city leaders are considering a pilot program that would allow them for three months out of the year.

Proposed rules

Under the proposal, dogs could be allowed on the beach between the pier and Inlet Avenue from dawn until dusk, from November 1 through January 31.

Owners would be required to keep dogs leashed and pay $5 for a day pass or $50 for a season pass. The proposal also requires owners to clean up after their dogs and keep them out of the dunes.

Resident reaction

Jody Sierra, a beach visitor, brought her dog Luna to Tybee Island but could not take her on the beach. She said she hopes the rule will change.

“But I think it’s wonderful to have your pet to be able to go on the beach. That’s why we always find pet-friendly places,” Sierra said.

Tybee Island Mayor Brian West said the area was chosen to limit impact on wildlife.

“We’re trying to pick an area of the beach where there’s not a lot of wildlife activity. So we’re not worried about, you know, interrupting the turtles. We’re trying to stay away from shorebirds,” West said.

Tybee Island resident Jenny Rutherford said dog owners are prepared to help maintain the beach.

“Many of the people that have been talking about, you know, this movement of allowing dogs on the beach once again, are even offering to volunteer and do beach sweeps because we’re that committed to seeing this through,” Rutherford said.

Next steps

Council members heard community input on the proposal during a workshop. They are scheduled to decide next week whether to move forward with the pilot program.