Don't Bring Your Pup to Williamson Island

A popular island getaway here in the Coastal Empire is also a hot spot for Georgia Department of Natural Resources to give out tickets, for the furry family friend.  NEWS 3'S Tristan Tully went out to Williamson Island to find out more about why pooches shouldn't be on the island and what could happen if you get caught with your pup roaming the beach.

Williamson Island is known for being a great place to take the family for a day trip out on the water.  The beautiful dunes keep the area looking rural and pristine.  It's also state protected, being one of the only two islands in Georgia to house coastal birds that nest there.

Ranger Buster Cooper, Georgia Department of Natural Resources:

"There are certain types of coastal birds that nest only on these barrier islands that won't nest on an inland island that's the one just, just south of here, just across the little creek, they won't nest there but they will nest in the dunes here and if these dunes are destroyed, they won't have nowhere to rest."

Ranger Buster Cooper with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is worried that dogs that come on the island will dig in the bird's nesting area and destroy the eggs.  Despite signs posted around the island clearly stating that there are no dogs allowed on the island, Ranger Buster says he sees it all the time, "Every time you come out here you see a few dogs, especially on the weekends, Saturdays and Sundays there's a lot of people out here with their families and it's understandable they want to bring their family pet with them. 

But?

But it's against the rules, certainly."

So if your dog is caught out on the island, you get a ticket.  Something bird enthusiast and Williamson Island visitor Christopher Davies thinks is definitely needed, "One single dog can cause an enormous amount of damage because of running around amongst the birds on the beaches can disturb those birds, off they go, and they've consumed precious energy resources trying to keep away from that dog."

Remember, next time you go out to Williamson Island, enjoy the beaches, but leave Fido at home.

Ranger Buster with Georgia DNR says that if you're caught with a dog on the beach, you will be cited and written a ticket and that you will have to appear in court at Chatham County.  However, not to be worried, they won't take your pup away.