Dogs and horses allowed on beaches for longer

Thursday 30 April 2020

Dog walkers and horse riders will get to visit local beaches at any time of the day until at least 12 May, when politicians will vote on plans to temporarily suspend summer restrictions.

The Attorney General, Mark Temple QC, said there will not be any prosecution for offences under Policing of Beaches (Jersey) the law from 1 May until the proposition from Senator Steve Pallett is debated.

The Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, is seeking to temporarily extend the period that dogs without a lead and horses can be on beaches, until 'Stay at Home' restrictions are lifted. 

The draft legislation - if adopted by the States Assembly - will amend the Policing of Beaches (Jersey) Regulations 1959 which states that dogs must remain on leads between 10:30 and 18:00 from 1 May to 30 September.

Pictured: No one will be prosecuted for riding their horse or walking their dog on the beach between 1 May and 12 May.

An online petition calling for an extension of these winter hours for dog walkers and horse riders received over 1,300 signatures, requiring a Ministerial response.

The measure aims to provide greater flexibility and address concerns that restricted hours could result in larger numbers of people using beaches during the early morning and evening, making it harder for them to comply with social distancing guidance.

“I am hopeful that the States Assembly will agree that whilst the Stay at Home restrictions are in place we should allow people with dogs and horses to use the beaches throughout the day," Senator Pallett said.

"At the point at which the Stay at Home restrictions are lifted, the restrictions on dogs and horses will revert to normal."

Due to his proposition not being debated until 12 May, Senator Pallett has sought assurance from the Attorney General that people walking dogs without a lead, or riding horses on a beach, until then will not be prosecuted. 

He added: “It is important for the physical and mental wellbeing of Islanders to be able to get out in the fresh air and enjoy our glorious beaches.”