Call to shorten dog restrictions on beaches

Hundreds of people have signed a petition calling for the easing of dog restrictions on Jersey's beaches during summer.

Dogs must be on leads from 1 May and 30 September, but those behind the petition want to see it shortened to between 30 May and 7 September.

They say the rules are unnecessary once children are back in school and the busiest tourist season has passed.

In the past, the Government of Jersey indicated it was open to reform of the law, but would need agreement from the parishes. Previously, the Comité des Connétables had not been supportive of calls to change the law.

Sarah Esteves, who started the petition, said "I like to potter around for a couple of hours at low tide but unfortunately with the restrictions and tides it makes it difficult to do this".

In the introduction to her petition, Esteves questioned: "Why continue the restrictions until 30 September when not only are children back at school but potentially the peak tourist season is at an end?

"I've spoken with many dog walkers in the last week who all agree it's ludicrous that the law has not been reviewed as the beaches are empty," she said.

In an online post at the start of May, Grouville's Honorary Police urged islanders to "remember the rules have changed".

It said "breaking [the rules] may see you in a Parish Hall Enquiry or ultimately, the court".

The Government of Jersey has previously said it was "open to pursuing reform of the legislation", but that it would need the backing of the Comité des Connétables.

Esteves said "as beaches tend to be most popular between June and early September" a change would "make sense".

"This would ensure that dog owners have more weeks to let their dogs off the lead to enjoy the beaches and, for those energetic dogs, more freedom when off a lead allowing plenty of exercise," she said.

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