ED Minister Against Dog 'Free-Rein' Beach

Wednesday, 5 June 2019 13:56

The Economic Development Minister has refused to support a petition calling for a Jersey beach where dogs can be let off the lead all year round.

The petition, which has generated nearly 1,500 signatures, says that "dogs need a place to run all year and cool off in the sea."

Current restrictions mean dogs have to be restrained from 10:30 - 18:00 between May and September.

Senator Lyndon Farnham, a dog-owner himself, doesn't think that's a good idea.

"If we start to relax regulations on certain beaches, that will undoubtedly lead to stricter regulations on other beaches and possibly some bans on other beaches.

"I believe what we have now in balance works well and is relatively fair.

"I'm a dog owner myself, I walk my dog regularly and responsibly and always clear up after it. Unfortunately many dog owners still don't do that.

"If at any stage this (States) assembly is asked to reconsider or relax these rules, first of all we must expect dog owners to be more responsible than the minority of them are."

Rules are different in Guernsey, with certain beaches banned to dogs during summer months with others designated as 'dog friendly' to allow the animals to roam off-lead.

The petition is awaiting a Ministerial response. If it gets 5,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in the States Assembly.

More from Jersey News

Jury finds Shay John Bester guilty of offences including rape

Shay John Bester has been found guilty, after going on trial for offences including six counts of rape against three young, vulnerable females.
African community groups express 'disappointment' with Deputy Ozouf sentencing

Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee have come together to express their disappointment following Deputy Philip Ozouf's sentencing, and are calling for increased protection for workers who speak out about exploitation.
Island Energy to return to Royal Court over Mont Pinel gas explosion

Island Energy is set to return to the Royal Court to enter pleas after being charged by the Health and Safety Inspectorate over a gas explosion at Mont Pinel.
Jersey to introduce legal limit for PFAS in drinking water

A legal limit for PFAS in Jersey's drinking water will be introduced for the first time.
Jersey Electricity drops St Martin solar farm idea

Jersey Electricity has dropped plans for a solar farm on land in St Martin belonging to the King.
PPC won't move to block Deputy's return to States Assembly

The committee that oversees States Members' conduct says it won't being a proposition to further suspend Deputy Philip Ozouf following his conviction for immigration offences.
Jersey's next government urged to create laws preventing exploitation of workers

Charities in Jersey are urging politicians to prioritise drawing up laws to abolish modern-day slavery.
Philip Ozouf sentenced to 120 hours community service

Deputy Philip Ozouf has been sentenced to 120 hours community service and ordered to pay £5,000 for immigration offences.