OVER 1,000 Islanders have signed a petition calling for changes to seasonal dog restrictions on Jersey’s beaches.
The petition, titled “amend restriction times for dogs on beaches”, argued that the current rules extend too far out of the peak summer season.
Dogs are currently restricted to being on a lead on all beaches between 10.30am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September.
Sarah Esteves, who created the petition, said that beaches can become overcrowded during this period, “especially when the tide is high”.
She questioned why the restrictions continue until the end of September, when children have returned to school and the peak tourist season may have ended.
The petition proposes changing the restriction period to between 30 May and 7 September, explaining that beaches are generally busiest between June and early September.
“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,” said Ms Esteves.
At the time of writing, the petition had received almost 1,200 signatures. Ministers must respond to all petitions that receive more than 1,000 signatures.
