Monday 29 April 2019
Dog owners are being reminded that from the 1st May to the 30th September inclusive, restrictions return on seven Guernsey beaches: Fermain, Petit Bot, L'Erée, Vazon, Cobo, Port Soif, L'Ancresse/Pembroke.
Herm's Shell Beach, Belvoir Bay, Fisherman's Beach, and the area of beach in front of the White House Hotel to the Herm Harbour Jetty are also out of bounds to dogs.
However, for those who love to walk their dogs along the islands' beautiful coastline in the summer months, the vast majority of beaches remain unrestricted. Attached is a map showing where dogs continue to have access.
'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 1st 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.'
-Andy McCutcheon, Principal Environment Services Officer, States of Guernsey
While dogs are still permitted on most beaches in the summer, the States of Guernsey is asking dog owners to remain mindful of other beach users and local wildlife. This means dog owners should still remove any waste on cliff paths, beaches, pavements, walkways and other public land by bagging and binning it. Failing to do so risks the owner facing a £100 fine.
They should also ensure their dogs are under control near other beach-users, particularly children or other vulnerable people. They should also ensure their dogs do not interfere with birds. Birds perceive dogs as predators and each time they are put to flight whilst feeding or resting, they waste vital energy reserves which are essential for birds to successfully rear their young or for onward migration. This year, that is a message being supported by Guernsey animal charity, the GSPCA.
'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.'
-Steve Byrne, General Manager, GSPCA
Dog owners are also being reminded that dogs are not permitted on Lihou Island and walkers are asked not to take dogs over the causeway or onto any part of Lihou. The causeway and Lihou form part of the internationally recognised Ramsar site, a designated nature reserve and a valuable site for feeding and breeding sea birds.
The voluntary dog ban on the Richmond end of Vazon, which was introduced to protect wading birds, also remains in place. Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services is working with La Société Guernesiaise and RSPB Guernsey group to monitor birds in the area and dog owners are asked not to exercise their pets at Richmond, the island's most valuable feeding area for wading birds.
