Thursday 27 April 2023
Dog owners are being reminded that from the 1st May to the 30th September inclusive, restrictions return on seven Guernsey beaches while people enjoy these spaces over the summer months.
The restrictions are on Fermain, Petit Bot, L'Erée, Vazon (northern end), 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.
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 vast majority of beaches remain unrestricted for those who love to walk their dogs along the islands' beautiful coastline in the summer months.
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. They should ensure their dogs are under control near other beach-users, particularly children or other vulnerable people and remove any waste on cliff paths, beaches, pavements, walkways and other public land by bagging and binning it as general waste. Failing to do so risks the owner facing a £100 fine.
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. Ground nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to disturbance by dogs. Habitats such as shingle banks should be avoided.
Owners of guide dogs are exempt from the Control of Dogs Ordinance. Please note special arrangements can also be made for dogs registered under the UK registered assistance dogs scheme, particularly for dogs for the hard of hearing. Please contact Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services at aclms@gov.gg for further details.
