PEI

Dogs not allowed on national park beaches starting Thursday

Another sure sign of spring: Parks Canada officials say the seasonal rule prohibiting domestic animals on P.E.I. National Park beaches comes into effect on April 1 and will stay in place until Oct. 15.

Annual ban lasts until mid-October, is partially meant to protect wildlife

Parks Canada begins its domestic-animal ban on P.E.I. National Park beaches tomorrow. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Another sure sign of spring: Parks Canada officials say the seasonal rule prohibiting domestic animals on P.E.I. National Park beaches comes into effect on April 1 and will stay in place until Oct. 15.

That includes dogs, cats and horses.

Parks Canada officials say the rule is in place to provide a safe environment for visitors and to protect wildlife and their habitat.

Anyone caught breaking this law faces a minimum fine of $100.

Dogs are permitted in all other outdoor areas of the park, but must be on a leash.

"It is important to know that dogs pose a threat to wildlife, especially young animals and birds, such as the endangered piping plover, that nest on the ground," Parks Canada's website says.

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