DEDICATED dog-friendly beaches cannot be created in Jersey without the support of the parish constables, the Economic Development Minister has revealed – despite voicing support for the idea himself.
In a letter to the panel of politicians responsible for scrutininsng new animal control legislation, Deputy Kirsten Morel made it clear that changes to the current restrictions regarding dogs on beaches are being blocked by parish leaders.
Current rules mean dog owners are not permitted to walk their pets while off the lead on any Jersey beaches between 10.30am and 6pm from 1 May until 30 September. Horses are also not allowed on beaches during these times.
However, Deputy Morel pointed out that the rules were introduced “at a time when visitor numbers to Jersey were significantly higher”.
The minister added that he “remain[s] open” to the creation of “a dedicated, year-round dog friendly beach, or beaches”, noting that other options could also be explored – including “changing the start time or delaying the implementation of the restrictions to commence later in the year”.
It comes after a petition calling for “dedicated dog-friendly beaches” attracted over 1,100 signatures in 2024.
The petition called for Jersey to emulate Guernsey’s guidelines and create “dog-friendly beaches where dogs can run freely all year round and close the popular beaches to dogs 24/7 during summer months”.
A similar petition in 2019 drew more than 1,500 signatures.
But despite being supportive of modernisation, Deputy Morel has emphasised that it “would therefore not be appropriate to reform this legislation without the support and engagement of the Comité des Connétables”.
He explained that while the regulations fall under his ministerial remit, their enforcement and day-to-day management sit with the 12 parishes.
Three specific options were expored with the Constables: designating certain beaches where dogs could be walked off the lead at any time; pushing the start of restrictions back from 10.30am to 11.30am; or scrapping weekday restrictions during May while keeping them for weekends and bank holidays.
But according to the minister, none of the Constables were supportive of designated dog beaches, and there was “very limited support” for the other two proposals.
“The Comité therefore concluded that the status quo should be maintained,” said Deputy Morel.
“I have respected this position but remain open to pursing reform of the legislation, should the views of the parishes shift.”
Deputy Morel also revealed that his department does not hold data on the number of fines or complaints raised regarding dog-related offences on beaches over the past five years, as the rules are enforced by the honorary police and statistics are not shared with government.
