By April Singular
Having been thwarted last year in an attempt to sell beach tags for dogs to legally roam and play on Ocean City beaches, a city Councilman is coming back with a new twist he hopes will be purr-fect.
“Popular opinion proved to be our undoing last year,” said Councilman Mike DeVlieger. “Even though I believed allowing dogs on our award-winning beaches would have enhanced our reputation as America’s Greatest Family Resort, I understand the argument against the proposed resolution.” He added “the biggest hurdle was the notion that dogs could fight or even play aggressively and thus invade the space of beachgoers who do not have pets.”
DeVlieger said that cats, however, pose no such threat.
“We probably have almost as many cats in Ocean City as we have dogs, and I have drafted a resolution to allow kitties on the beach. We aren’t talking about feral cats, but rather domesticated pets who could accompany their owners and enjoy our beaches in a more respectful manner than dogs. Just think about all those additional tags that we could sell".
A happy kitty hanging out on 9th street last summer. She is hoping to return with her friends.
DeVlieger noted that cats are naturally attracted to beach sand for their bathroom needs. “Many cats would think of our beaches as the world’s largest litter box,” he said. “Since most families with younger children already have sifting devices and small hand shovels, cleanup issues should be minimal.
Another benefit, he says is the popularity of cat videos on the internet. “Can you imagine the publicity advantages? With the proliferation of smartphones I venture to say we would have at least one viral ‘beach cat’ video per week during prime vacation months,” DeVlieger maintained.
Driftwood collecting would increase, according to the councilman since it has properties well-suited to be used as a scratching post.
Taking his proposal one step further, DeVlieger envisions replacing Ocean City’s hermit crab mascot Martin Z. Mollusk with a cat-themed symbol. “I am open to other suggestions, but I was thinking Francis Z. Feline,” DeVlieger said.
