Australians weigh in on whether dogs should be allowed on our beaches

Taking dogs to the beach can be a controversial act. While it can be fun, there are some good reasons why they aren't always welcome.

Of course, if a beach is dog-friendly, there is very little reason to leave out furry friends at home, but what about regular beaches?

We asked Aussies whether they think pets should be allowed at the beach in an exclusive Nine.com.au poll, and the results were naturally divisive.

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An overwhelming 49 per cent of Australians thought dogs should be welcome on beaches, though most suggested conditions and rules.

The majority of respondents agree that dogs should be on a leash and well-trained before going for a trip to the ocean.

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One user wrote, "I am in favour of dogs being allowed on beaches, but I think there should be rules and regulations that owners need to abide by.

"Owners need to pick up any excrement from their dogs, and dogs should be required to be on leashes at certain times of the day.

"Unfortunately, as with most things ... some people just can't do the right thing and, therefore, always ruin it for the rest of us," they concluded.

"Dogs should be allowed on beaches on a leash as per anywhere else [in the] general public," another added.

"I don't have a pet but am supportive of people who do," one wrote.

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Another 33 per cent of respondents said that dogs shouldn't be allowed to go to the beach.

"[There is a] time and a place for dogs, however not on the beach... it's a NO from me …," a user wrote.

"Dogs on beaches specified as dog friendly beaches only. Unfortunately, not all humans are intelligent enough to control their dogs," another added.

18 per cent of Aussies were unsure whether dogs should be allowed, with most agreeing it really depended on the location and whether or not the dog was trained.

Overall, most agreed that if dogs are allowed on the beach, they should be on a leash and supervised by their owners.

Everyone decided that if a pet is a service animal, they are more than welcome.

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