Ministers Back Plans to Shorten Jersey Beach Dog Restrictions

Jersey ministers are preparing to bring forward changes to the island's seasonal beach dog restrictions after a public petition attracted almost 2,000 signatures.

The petition called for the annual rules to be limited to the busiest summer weeks, arguing that the existing restrictions are no longer necessary once the main tourist season and school holidays have ended.

Responding to the campaign, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development Gerald Voisin said officials had been instructed to draft the legislative changes needed for the States Assembly to consider the proposals.

If approved by States Members, the revised regulations would come into effect next year, with restrictions beginning later in the spring and ending earlier in the autumn to better reflect the school holiday period.

Under the current rules, dogs must be kept on a lead on all Jersey beaches between 10:30am and 6:00pm from 1 May until 30 September.

The petition, which was signed by 1,942 people, proposed reducing that period so the restrictions would instead apply from 30 May until 7 September.

Voisin said the proposed changes would allow the Assembly to debate the issue while taking into account the interests of all beach users.

He added that any decision would consider factors including the potential impact the revised rules could have on people using the island's beaches during the summer months.