I am a dedicated foster with Tired Dog Rescue on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where I care for dogs who have been abandoned, neglected, surrendered, or have lost everything they once knew. Many of these dogs come to me scared, anxious, grieving, or shut down. One of the most healing experiences I can offer them is to provide peace, routine, and joy — much of which comes from spending time near the water.

I foster dogs from diverse backgrounds, including senior dogs, medical dogs, and those who have waited far too long for a forever home. Take King, for example, a sweet senior Labrador who finds immense peace and happiness on the beach, wagging his tail as the waves gently lap at his paws.

Unfortunately, the current restrictions on Harrison County beaches do not allow for responsible dog access, depriving these animals of the healing environment they so desperately need. Allowing dogs to enjoy the beaches would not only benefit the dogs but also bring joy to their caregivers and the community that loves them.

While I understand concerns about cleanliness and safety, a policy can be established that ensures responsible dog ownership. For example, we can implement designated dog-friendly areas, enforce leash laws, mandate the cleaning up of waste, and potentially create dog-specific beach hours.

The importance of natural spaces for the rehabilitation and joy of rescue dogs cannot be overstated. Beaches provide a serene and therapeutic environment that aids in the emotional and physical recovery of these animals. Encouraging responsible dog access to these areas can enhance the lives of countless dogs who find solace by the sea.

Please join me in urging Harrison County authorities to reconsider their dog access regulations on our beaches. Let's bring a positive change to the lives of these deserving dogs, who ask for so little yet give so much in return.

Dogs are family — and families belong at the beach.

Harrison County currently prohibits dogs from public beaches, including Long Beach, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pass Christian. We believe this outdated policy should be revised to allow responsible dog owners to enjoy public beaches with their pets under clear rules.

We are not asking for unrestricted access.

We support reasonable regulations such as:
✔️ Leash requirements
✔️ Mandatory waste cleanup
✔️ Designated dog-friendly zones
✔️ Restricted hours if necessary
✔️ Seasonal wildlife protections

Many coastal communities successfully allow responsible dog access while maintaining clean, safe beaches.

Allowing dogs on our beaches would:

Strengthen community recreation
Improve quality of life
Support pet-friendly tourism
Bring more business to local shops and restaurants
We respectfully ask Harrison County leaders to review the current ordinance and consider a pilot dog-friendly beach program.

Our dogs. Our beaches. Our community.

Sign and share if you support responsible dog access on Harrison County beaches.

Sign this petition to make Harrison County beaches a welcoming space for our four-legged friends while maintaining a safe and clean environment for all community members.

Proposal for Limited Dog Access on Long Beach Beachfront

I respectfully propose a trial amendment to the current beach ordinance to allow leashed dogs on a designated portion of the Long Beach beachfront.

Proposed Dog-Friendly Zone

Dogs would be permitted only on the stretch of beach:

From Richards Avenue Longbeach east to the Fournier Ave. Gulfport 

This area is a practical choice because it is generally less congested than the more heavily trafficked central beach access points, making it an ideal location for a controlled pilot program.

By limiting access to one designated section, the city can better monitor compliance while preserving the majority of the beachfront for residents and visitors who prefer a dog-free environment.

Proposed Hours

Dogs would be permitted only during the following hours:

5:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily

Restricting access to evening and overnight hours would:

Reduce conflicts during peak beach usage

Protect dogs from dangerous daytime heat

Allow responsible pet owners access during cooler, lower-traffic hours

Rules for Dog Access

To ensure safety, cleanliness, and responsible pet ownership, the following rules would apply:

All dogs must remain leashed at all times

 Maximum leash length: 6 feet.

Owners must maintain control of their dogs at all times

Aggressive or disruptive dogs must be removed immediately.

Mandatory waste cleanup

Owners must immediately pick up and properly dispose of all dog waste.

Owners must carry waste bags

Failure to carry waste bags may be considered noncompliance.

Enforcement & Penalties

Strong enforcement is essential to the success of this program.

Failure to pick up dog waste: $1,000 fine

Repeat violations may result in increased penalties

Violations involving unleashed or aggressive dogs may carry additional fines or removal from the beach

Strict penalties ensure irresponsible behavior does not jeopardize access for responsible pet owners.

Trial Period Recommendation

A 6–12 month pilot program is recommended to evaluate:

Community feedback

Compliance and enforcement effectiveness

Cleanliness and maintenance impact

Overall public satisfaction

Conclusion

This proposal does not seek unrestricted dog access to all beaches. Instead, it offers a carefully controlled compromise that balances the interests of dog owners, non-dog owners, and the broader community.

The goal is simple: create a safe, clean, and enforceable system that allows responsible dog owners limited beach access while preserving the enjoyment of Long Beach’s beautiful coastline for everyone.