Dog beach ban comes in today

Wednesday 01 May 2019

The annual restrictions for some beaches come back into force today, meaning a few are now off limits to dogs until the end of September.

While pets like Max (pictured above) may enjoy a run around on the sand, they have seven fewer beaches to choose from in Guernsey now, with a voluntary ban on a further beach and restrictions in Herm too.

The beaches which are now designated 'dog free' are the same as usual - with bans on Pembroke and L'ancresse, Port Soif, Cobo, the north end of Vazon, Fermain Bay, L'Eree and Petit Bot and a voluntary ban at the Richmond end of Vazon, which was introduced to protect wading birds. Dogs are also banned on Lihou, including the causeway, while in Herm dogs aren't allowed on Shell Beach, Belvoir Bay or Fisherman’s Beach, and the area of beach in front of the White House Hotel along to the Herm Harbour Jetty is also out of bounds to dogs.

Pictured: The dog bans are highlighted above.

The bans are in place annually between 1 May and 30 September, with all other parts of the island's coastline available for dog walks. However, owners are asked to ensure dogs don't disturb breeding birds or other wildlife. 

"We know walking your dog on the beach is one of the simple joys about living in Guernsey, and it’s important dog owners are aware that even during the summer, there are lots of places you can do that. But the restrictions on 7 beaches that come into force on the 1 May each year ensure that on some of the busiest beaches, those who are a little less keen on canines can also enjoy their favourite beaches," said Andy McCutcheon, Principal Environment Services Officer, States of Guernsey

Steve Byrne, General Manager, GSPCA, said; "We love dogs at the GSPCA, but we love our local wildlife too and it’s important that pet owners do what they can to help meet the needs of both our pets and our native birds and other animals. That’s why it’s important that whichever beach you’re on with your dog, at whatever time of year, we all take these few, simple steps to make sure they don’t present problems for our wildlife or other beach users."

The annual restrictions have also come in for horses and vehicles on the beaches.

Under the Foreshore (Riding and Driving) Ordinance from 1 May to 30 September inclusive, vehicles must not be driven or horses ridden on the island’s foreshores between 10:00 and 19:00, unless permission is given by Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services (ACLMS) or for a specific event such as sand racing.

The only exceptions are for fishermen hauling fishing gear or people attending to boats. 

For more information call ACLMS on 234567 or go to gov.gg/Beaches

Pictured: Max, on Saline Bay.