An ordinance that bars dogs on the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk has been on the books for nearly 50 years.

In the past, police have been lax on enforcing the rule. But after many complaints from the public, police say that they will once again start to strictly enforce the law.

Point Pleasant Beach police posted on Facebook earlier this month a photo of dog feces on the boardwalk.

“We share in the public's disgust and outrage that someone would allow this to occur. The public should expect to see extra patrols on the boardwalk and they have been directed to actively enforce our ordinance, which bans dogs on the boardwalk,” police wrote.

The Facebook post caught the attention of Mayor Paul Kanitra.

“We’ve gotten dozens of complaints from our residents here in Point Pleasant Beach, so we are looking to enforce all of our ordinances strictly and fairly across the boards,” the mayor says.

Police have written out 40 violations of the ordinance in just three weeks.

News 12 New Jersey ran into Pat Sheehan and his dog Josie who had just finished a walk near the Maryland Avenue beach, where dogs are allowed. Sheehan says he was surprised by the number of tickets written out.

“That’s pretty amazing, 40 tickets in three weeks. I’m really amazed that they don’t know that or if they do know that, clean it up,” he says.

Tracy Torrisi says she appreciates the efforts by police during her daily morning jogs.

“It’s really nice to walk on the boardwalk. We don’t mind people walking with their dogs on a leash and picking up if the dog goes to the bathroom. Wouldn’t hurt to carry a bottle of water because it does leave residue,” she says.

The mayor says that most of the violations handed out so far have been from people who are not Point Pleasant Beach residents. He says that he hopes that word spreads around the state that dogs are not allowed as it gets closer to the summer season.

The fine for violating the ordinance is about $150.