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Relaxing dog restrictions on Jersey’s beaches “will be discussed at ministerial level”, an Assistant Minister has assured Express, after a petition recently thrust the controversial issue back into the spotlight.
Deputy Moz Scott, who is Assistant Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, said she will be bringing the matter to a discussion with the Sustainable Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel and other ministers in the near future.
She admitted there was no funding for a large-scale review or consultation on the topic but said there was "a case for adjusting the restrictions slightly", whether that is through a proposition or a ministerial decision.
As it stands, between 1 October and 30 April, dogs can be exercised on the beach at any time, and between 1 May and 30 September, they must be kept on a lead between 10.30am and 6pm.
Earlier this month, a petition to create dedicated dog-friendly beaches where dogs can run freely, while closing popular beaches to dogs during the summer months, reached 1,000 signatures, meaning that it is awaiting a ministerial response.
Pictured: the petition, which now has over 1,100 signatures.
Deputy Scott said she does not agree with banning dogs from certain beaches in favour of a designated area for pets, because some less mobile islanders who live near a popular beach could be left without somewhere to walk their animals.
Speaking to Express after posting about her views on the Jersey Dog Forum Facebook page, she said: "It will be discussed at the Council of Ministers level, where I will be putting forward the case for relaxing the restrictions, or reducing them in some way.
"The insight and discussion at that level will allow us to see whether that change might be initiated or a proposition drafted.
"It also gives these views a chance to be challenged by the Health Minister and Children's Minister. If they are trying to protect Public Health, or children, than I think we can all voice those arguments and reasons not to relax them."
Pictured: Deputy Scott is a representative of St Brelade.
Changes to the rules, she said, could include aligning the off-lead times with school holidays and bank holidays, or lifting them from some beaches or sections of beaches that are less popular for families and tourists.
She continued: "Ideally, we would have had a review or consultation, but that is expensive and government resources are challenged at the moment."
She stressed that any review or change was subject to resourcing, and the Budget for 2025 remains a priority for all ministers and assistant ministers.
Deputy Scott added: "One of the reasons I want to initiate the discussion is because we need to understand who is actually inconvenienced, in terms of dog owners who have to work around these restrictions.
"I know it can be a bit of a pain – for example, it's aggravating if it's raining and no one is on the beach, but who is actually struggling with these times? Is it shift workers?
"I do agree that it's important to have something that's clear and that does work for as many people as it can.
"This is something that is controversial, but also something that the Government does not need to get too distracted with when there are larger fish to fry.
"The petition has difficulties because of it's suggestion, but whether there is a case for adjusting the restrictions a bit so that they reflect the use of the beaches now, that will be discussed."
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