SEASONAL dog restrictions on Jersey beaches could be extended to align with the school summer holidays after over 1,800 Islanders signed a petition calling for the rules to be relaxed.
The petition, titled “amend restriction times for dogs on beaches”, argued that the current ban extends 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, questioned why the restrictions continue until the end of September – when children have returned to school and the peak tourist season has ended.
She proposed changing the restriction period to between 30 May and 7 September, noting that beaches are generally busiest between June and early September.
Economic Development Minister Gerald Voisin accepted the petition and confirmed that he will ask officials to prepare law changes to be debated by politicians.
“Having considered the proposals of this petition, I will be asking my officials to prepare the necessary legislative changes to allow this to be debated by the States Assembly,” he said.
“This will provide for an opportunity to consider the changes against factors such as the impact on other beach users.
“If approved, the changes would mean that next year’s dog restrictions will commence later and end earlier to better align with the school holidays.”
Deputy Voisin also indicated that wider reforms to dog legislation are “actively being looked at” by new Planning Minister, Sir Mark Boleat.
“I will be working with him and the Constables’ Committee to update this legislation,” he added.
