Beginning April 1, Manasquan police will begin patrolling the beachfront to enforce the borough's "no dogs allowed" ordinance, meanwhile the Borough Council is considering banning dogs from the beach area all year long, according to officials. 

Councilman Owen McCarthy, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, on Monday said he was assured by police Chief Elliot Correia that an officer would be on the lookout at the beach every 30 minutes to an hour prepared to issue a $150 summons to anyone with a dog on either the beach or beachwalk.

McCarthy said borough officials have received countless complaints from residents regarding violations of the ordinance.

Between Oct. 1 and April 1, leashed dogs are permitted on the beach but prohibited from the beachwalk. From April 1 to Oct. 1, dogs are prohibited from both the beach and the beachwalk.

Borough Administrator Joe DeIorio said officials have spent so much time dealing with the issue that he was recommending banning dogs from the entire beachfront all year long.

“I know that would probably raise some concerns from folks that like to bring their dogs on, but quite frankly it’s gotten out of hand," DeIorio said.

Councilman Joe Bossone, the Beach Committee chairman, agreed.

“I’m sure some people would be upset, but that’s what it’s coming down to," Bossone said.

Council President Ed Donovan said since the county stepped up its enforcement of the leash laws at Fisherman's Cove, people were bringing their dogs to the main beach and letting them run free.

McCarthy, in order to save costs, suggested looking into hiring more seasonal employees to help enforce the ordinance rather than paying more police.