Friday 26 September 2014
Restrictions apply each year from the 1 May to 30 September inclusive when dogs are not allowed 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 during this period.
The voluntary dog ban on the Richmond end of Vazon, which was introduced to protect wading birds, remains in place throughout the year. The Environment Department 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 waders. Birds perceive dogs as predators and each time they are put to flight whilst feeding wastes vital energy reserves, essential for birds to successfully rear their young or for onward migration.
The legislation under which dogs are excluded from beaches is the Control of Dogs Ordinance, 1992. An explanation leaflet on this legislation and the law covering the requirement for dog-owners to clear up after their pets may be obtained from the Environment Department's offices (Tel: 717200).
Dog walkers/owners are reminded that they are legally obliged to pick up and safely dispose of their dog's waste from beaches, cliff paths and coastal land. Anyone walking dogs must also keep their pets under control on beaches to avoid nuisance to others, particularly children and elderly people.
-ENDS-
