PRESS RELEASE - Seasonal Pet Closures at Truro Beaches
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2023
Posted on: August 1, 2023 - 3:15pm
The Town of Truro's Beach Rules and Regulations prohibit animals between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at all eleven town-owned beaches starting on the third Saturday in June through Labor Day. Additionally, temporary beach restrictions for pets may be increased due to the presence of shorebirds.
TRURO LOCATION & DESCRIPTION OF PET CLOSURE
The town's website will be updated regularly with any potential openings and/or closures: Truro Beach Office | truroma (truro-ma.gov)
Head of the Meadow Beach
Beach CLOSED (NO PETS ALLOWED)
Coast Guard Beach
Beach CLOSED (NO PETS ALLOWED)
Longnook Beach
Beach CLOSED to South (right); OPEN to North (left) for approximately one mile.
Ballston Beach
Beach CLOSED to South (right) of access to Newcomb Hollow Beach; OPEN to North (left).
Ryder Beach (aka Bound Brook)
Beach CLOSED to South (left) of Ryder access.
Corn Hill Beach
Beach OPEN
*If you have any questions as to whether pets are allowed, please call the Truro Beach Office at (508) 487-6983 or call the Health & Conservation Department at (508) 349-7004 Ext. 131.
As a reminder - the Town of Truro is obligated to protect nesting shorebirds under both state and federal laws. Symbolic fencing (wooden posts/string) goes up in early spring to help inform beachgoers about which areas to avoid due to nesting birds. This fencing can be found on both the oceanside and the bayside. Beachgoers must not enter the fencing as their presence can disturb the birds and potentially lead to reduced productivity. Beachgoers should also refrain from hanging anything from the fencing.
Be aware that there are serious federal penalties under the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Endangered Species Act for the “take” of a piping plover adult, chick. A common misconception is that “take” means to kill, however, it is defined as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct.” Protecting shore birds also involves closing certain beaches to dogs, even when leashed. To a shorebird, your dog looks like a coyote, one of their primary predators. These closures are more restrictive than the normal town by-laws and are required by state/federal law. When your favorite beach is closed to pets, please find an alternate location as there are plenty of beaches at will not be closed. Maybe you will find a new favorite spot to enjoy with your four-legged friend.
The town contracts with shorebird experts from the Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary to monitor the nesting birds and adjacent areas to protect the birds and their eggs. These contractors also educate the public about the restrictions necessary to protect the birds. Please be respectful of these workers and keep your dogs out of closed areas. Remember that when beaches are closed to dogs that means at ALL hours of the day until the chicks have fledged. Any closures will be posted with signage.
Additionally, closure information can be found on the town’s website: Pet Closures | truroma (truro-ma.gov). We also encourage the public to check the National Park Service website for beaches closed to dogs: https://www.nps.gov/caco/learn/nature/birds.html
Dog owners who do not have their dogs in control shall be subject to fines pursuant to non-criminal violations cited. Failure to comply with these requirements under Truro’s General Bylaw 4-2-1 Failure to Restrain or Control Dogs is $50.00 per offense and enforced by the Truro Animal Control Officer. Federal penalties for the take of a piping plover adult, chick, or egg under the Endangered Species Act: Criminal up to 6 months imprisonment and/or up to a $25,000 fine; Civil $12,000 for a knowing violation; and $500 for a strict liability violation. For more information visit: Guidelines for Managing Recreational Activities in Piping Plover Breeding Habitat on the U.S. Atlantic Coast to Avoid Take Under Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act | FWS.gov
Please respect wildlife and keep your dog on a leash while enjoying our public beaches that are open to pets at this time.
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View the official press release below.
| Attachment | Size |
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 pr-seasonalpetclosure_080123.pdf | 259.96 KB |