ISLANDERS will soon be allowed to walk their dogs on paths within Springfield, if a proposition from the Infrastructure Minister is backed by politicians.
The amendment, lodged by Constable Andy Jehan, aims to lift a blanket ban on dogs in the area.
If approved, the Policing of Parks (Jersey) Regulations 2005 would be updated to classify Springfield Sports Ground as a “Part 1 park” instead of a “Part 5 park”.
This change would allow Islanders to walk their dogs on leads on established paths within the area’s boundaries, according to the proposition.
Mr Jehan explained that Springfield hosted a grass football pitch until 2015, and so the dog ban was likely an attempt to ensure that pets were kept off the original pitch.
However, he pointed out that the grass pitch was replaced with an artificial playing surface in 2015, and the pitch is now protected by fencing.
The Infrastructure Minister explained that under the current law, Islanders could be fined £1,000 for taking their dogs into the confines of Springfield Sports Ground.
“Given the changes since 2015, it seems logical for the legislation to catch up with practice, rather than to seek to enforce the existing statutory provision, which would seem to be disproportionate and somewhat illogical,” said Mr Jehan.
“Accordingly, and should the States agree to this re-designation of Springfield as a Part 1 park, it will be possible to walk a dog on a lead on established paths within the boundaries of Springfield Sports Ground.”
He said this is a “workable arrangement” given that the new 3G pitch is “more secure” than the original grass pitch, which was “effectively unprotected”.
Mr Jehan added that representations have been made by members of the public seeking the change.
