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States set to debate dogs on beach restriction times

A petition asking for changes to the restriction times for dogs on beaches is set to be debated by the States Assembly.

The current rules state that dogs need to be on leads on all beaches between 1030am and 6pm from 1 May until 30 September.

However, the petition, signed by nearly 1900 people, is asking for it to be amended to better reflect when beaches are most popular, when there are more tourists, and when children are at school.

It asks for the restrictions to start later, on 30 May, and to end earlier, on 7 September.

Petition author Sarah Esteves said:

"This would ensure that dog owners have more weeks to let their dogs off the lead to enjoy the beaches and, for those energetic dogs, more freedom when off a lead allowing plenty of exercise."

The new Economic Development Minister, Deputy Gerald Voisin, has accepted the petition.

He said:

"Having considered the proposals of this petition I will be asking my officials to prepare the necessary legislative changes to allow this to be debated by the States Assembly. This will provide for an opportunity to consider the changes against factors such as the impact on other beach users.

"If approved, the changes would mean that next year’s dog restrictions will commence later and end earlier to better align with the school holidays.

"Reforming the rules applying to dog owners more broadly is actively being looked at by the new Minister for Planning and Regulation, Sir Mark Boleat. I will be working with him and the Comité de Connétables to update this legislation."

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