In my original post I stated that the fine for dogs on the beach on French side was 50 euros. It is in fact 450 euros!! Sorry for the error.

Yikes. That is a LOT of money!

I always assumed that dogs were allowed on the French beaches. So am I correct in assuming that they are not allowed?

Apparently it has been against the law for a long time and they are just now enforcing the law.

450 Euro? I'd give the cop the dog and go get another one.

There is a large sign at friars bay beach saying no dogs allowed on beach. I think the sign has been there a long time.

You are obviously not a dog person and your statement is truly callous given the number of abandoned animals on St Martin.

I think Ritchard was saying this "tongue in cheek" as he posted a picture of his own dog in another post.

i know of one person that owns a beach bar and his dog is always there. when they come and ask him about the dog he says "i have no idea about the dog, he comes in the morning and leaves at night" Actually kind of true since he comes with his owner and leaves with his owner!

Read in the Daily Herald today that on Feb. 15th the French side will be rounding up stray dogs. The police warn all dog owners to make sure their dogs are well identified, on a leash, or keep them at home.

We were there a few weeks ago. Donna was carrying her dog in a backpack at that point. However on two different mornings, one early, one later, near the new buildings, a woman with a large brown dog came down to the beach and the first morning the dog dumped at the bottom corner of the main steps. Other morning, dog dumped in the middle of the beach. No attempt by the woman to clean up after the dog. I think that is more of a problem. Dog was not on a leash either. Of course, no gendarmes around.

I have no problem bringing it up to the owner and telling them to pick up after their dog. They might not like it but it gets the point across. Some dog owners don't have a clue until someone corrects them.

My humor didn't fly, I guess. I am a total dog lover and would never do such a thing. I thought it was a sufficiently outrageous thing to say that it would be clear I was kidding.

I think most of us got it, Ritchard. Don't sweat it! Enjoy your vacation!

Saw two people walking their dogs on leashes on Club O beach today and I am sure they were local residents.

thanks for the heads up. he does keep his collar close by as a just in case.

What I find truly remarkable is that dogs are banned, but horses are allowed- have seen them two days this week on orient and there has been horse crap both times - made my morning walk somewhat unpleasant

horses eat grass grain and hay ..totally biodegradable. Dogs eat meat so their poo is full of bacteria. Put a pile of horse manure in your garden, it will make your garden grow, toss in a pile of dog poo and it will kill the plants…

You know, I was going to say the exact same thing but figured it would open another can or worms (or poo!!).

Having attended many dog events, and it doesn't matter where you are, there are people who feel they are above picking up after their dog.