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Pet Owners Howling About Talks To End Dog Beach Program In Rancho Palos Verdes

RANCHO PALOS VERDES (CBS) — Dog owners and their pooches have been enjoying a new dog beach in Rancho Palos Verdes but their time may be limited. City hall officials are reportedly thinking about rescinding the pilot program that allowed dogs to roam off-leash at that stretch of coastline.

"Then where do we go? That's what I got to say," said Duke Vandenberg, one of many dog owners who are upset by the news. "We can't really go any place close and let our dogs run, so it'd be a real loss to lose this."

Peter Von Hagen is one of many nearby residents who have complained. He lives across the street from Trump National Golf Course, which sits above the dog beach.

"The dogs don't have to go to the beach. Mine never did. I never took my dogs to the beach. I don't think it's a necessity. There are plenty of places to exercise your dogs," Von Hagen said.

Opponents cite dog feces, environmental impact and the danger dogs present to the small children who frequent the tide pools at the beach.

They also are concerned about parking. There is currently one small public parking lot for the area and residents say that's not enough now that more people are frequenting the beach.

In an email, Trump National Golf Course said that, since the council approved the dog program last month, they've lost business and they've had dogs interrupt their $275 golf games.

The city council plans to meet next week to discuss the program.

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