Tulum, Q.R. — Tulum and Akumal residents who take their pets to the beach are now at risk of being fined. After weeks of issuing statements about the prohibition of dogs on beaches, many still arrive with them.
The biggest problem, says Juan José Dominguez, director of Áreas Naturales Protegidas for the state of Quintana Roo, is the feces left behind by irresponsible dog owners. He says despite warnings, people continue to bring their dogs to the beach and leave the poo behind.
He points out that federal maritime regulations prohibits the contamination of beaches, and that leaving dog feces behind is an act of contamination to the environment and public health for others who use the beach.
He said that three weeks ago, they issued a statement about the prohibition of bringing dogs to the beach due to the irresponsibility of some owners, but it is a situation that continues to occur.
The federal official said since the warnings have been ignored, more severe measures will be taken, such as insuring the animals and fining the owners.
“They must practice responsible ownership. If they don’t keep their pets under control then we are going to prohibit entry and if necessary, we are going to secure the animals. The owners can later pick them up at the points that we will assign for this type situation,” he said.
He also said that in a few weeks, sea turtle nesting will begin, making it even more important to ensure the beaches are free of contaminants.
