Rehoboth’s dog days are not in summer

Despite its name, and what some websites say, Poodle Beach in the south end of Rehoboth Beach is not a designated destination for dogs.

East Lake Drive resident Frank Cooper said dog owners from all over Sussex County go to Poodle Beach. One Saturday morning, he said he counted 65 dogs that stopped to use his rose bushes as a bathroom.

The discussion about dogs in Rehoboth Beach came up during an animal issues committee meeting April 4. It wasn’t on the agenda as a specific topic, but Poodle Beach was discussed in conjunction with the committee’s ongoing conversations about the creation of a specific area for dog owners to let their dogs roam off leash. Poodle Beach, located immediately south of the Boardwalk, has been recognized as a beach for members of the LGBTQ community for over 70 years. The city, with the help of Cooper, is pursuing a Delaware Public Archives historical marker recognizing the beach’s significance.

However, it appears the historical significance has been lost on some visitors.

There are at least three websites that tell people to take their dogs to Poodle Beach, said City Commissioner Tim Bennett, the committee chair.

Prospect Street resident Enid Lagree confirmed what Cooper said. If someone doesn’t live down in that end of town, they don’t know what’s going on, she said.

There has been discussion about using Deauville Beach as a designated dog area, but enforcement continues to be a sticking point. The city already struggles to enforce its rules, said Bennett.

While the city figures out the next steps, Cooper said the city could direct people to Gordons Pond just north of North Shores and put up signs saying Poodle Beach is not the city’s designated dog beach. 

At the request of city residents, the committee discussed several other dog-related issues – Boardwalk use during the summer, the dates for the season and a possible dog run.

Lagree said she thinks allowing bikes on the Boardwalk during the summer is a particularly bad idea. There’s no room, she said.

Cooper agreed with Lagree. The Boardwalk will keep getting increasingly busy, he said. 

Committee member Terry Smith said he wants to figure out a way to make it work because the city’s residents want it.

Prior to the discussion on in-season dog use of the beach and Boardwalk, the committee reached unanimous consensus on a change to the definition of the season.

As proposed, the committee has recommended to allow dogs on the beach and Boardwalk before May 15 and after Sept. 15, which aligns with the beginning and end of the summer meter season. The recommendation would give dog owners an extra 30 days, as the current dog restriction is May 1 to Sept. 30. 

Resident Dave Diefenderfer sent a letter to the committee asking for its favorable recommendation for both changes. During the meeting, he said he thinks there are ways to allow dogs on the Boardwalk during the summer, but he appreciates the committee's support on changing the season.

People, dogs and bikes can all get along as long as people control themselves, said Diefenderfer.

The next step will be for Bennett to bring the proposed season change to city commissioners for consideration.