Although I’m not a dog owner myself, I live in the area and know many families and individuals who walk their dogs at Big Bay Beach daily. It came as a surprise to learn that this beach is officially a no-dog zone, even though it’s commonly and respectfully used by dog owners already. People are picking up after their dogs, being considerate, and sharing the space peacefully.

Eden on the Bay (right next to the beach) is completely dog-friendly, from the promenade to the restaurants. Most households nearby own dogs, and for many of them, this beach is their go-to space for exercise, routine, and connection.

This petition isn’t asking for a new habit, it’s asking the City of Cape Town to recognise and legalise what’s already happening responsibly. Under Section 11 and 17 of the City’s Coastal By-law (2020), the City may designate specific areas as leash-free zones, provided public participation and impact review processes are followed.

By making Big Bay a designated leash-free beach, the City would:

• Support responsible dog owners already using the beach
• Reduce unnecessary fines or conflict with law enforcement
• Create clarity through proper signage and guidelines
• Encourage continued respect for shared beach use

It’s time to update the by-law to reflect reality and to protect and empower both pet owners and non-pet owners in our shared space.