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Dogs and their human companions can now enjoy relaxed restrictions on canine beach and boardwalk access.

The city council on Wednesday night approved an ordinance regarding dogs on the beach and boardwalk.

“This will expand the time period each year when leashed dogs will be permitted to walk on the boardwalk with a handler,” city attorney Fred Raffetto said. “We’re giving an extra two weeks on either end.”

Dogs are now welcome on the boardwalk from Sept. 15 through May 15, according to the ordinance.

“With regard to the beach, this will basically clarify what’s written in the [previously existing] ordinance to match what’s currently happening,” Raffetto said.

Dogs will now be permitted to run unleashed at North Beach — the city’s designated surfing, fishing and dog beach — at any time of day from Sept. 15 through May 15. During the on-season, dogs may not run unleashed from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Raffetto said.

The original ordinance excluded dogs on North Beach from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. year round, Reidy said.

The ordinance passed with a four-to-one vote, with Deputy Mayor John Loffredo voting no.

“I will no longer vote yes on anything for dogs on the boardwalk because, sorry, there’s too much crap,” he said.

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