Select a region
Following another incident involving someone's pet, Deputy Marc Leadbeater has asked whether some 'dog free time' could be set at the island's parks.
He used yesterday's States meeting to raise the issue, just hours after Express reported that a young girl had been knocked off her feet by a dog as she walked to school earlier this month.
Deputy Leadbeater said he was moved to raise the issue after learning about "another attack by a dog, this time on a nine-year-old child in a public space".
He said he has also been "told anecdotally that Guernsey has more dogs, of what are considered to be dangerous breeds per capita than in the UK".
Deputy Leadbeater asked the President of the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure whether, in light of this recent incident and the alleged number of dangerous animals in the island, E&I will consider dog free times at Saumarez Park and other public spaces, "where those who have had adverse experiences with dogs, and others who are scared of them, can go for a walk safe in the knowledge that they will not encounter any dogs".
He said this was needed "because currently, there is no public space in the island where those who are scared of dogs can go for a walk without any concern".
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez seemed to have some sympathy with Deputy Leadbeater's point of view and said she would pass his request on to the team responsible for managing Saumarez Park and other public areas.
Regarding the number of so-called dangerous dogs in the island, she reiterated that E&I is already looking at introducing a licensing system to control this.
Her committee is already working on stronger animal welfare legislation which would include more stringent regulations around pet ownership.
Deputy de Sausmarez also referenced the existing importation rules which does preclude people from importing certain animals without the knowledge and permission of the States Veterinary Officer, but she confirmed more could be done in this area.
"...for his reassurance, we are also looking to introduce a licensing system, which would mean that we have much better visibility and data and leverage over any such breeds that are indeed in the island."
Dog incident under investigation
Planning app for 'off leash freedom' business for dogs
XL Bullies already on 'licence list' here
St Martin's lane left littered with "toxic" dog waste
"No further action" after dog incident
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.