Petition Amend restriction times for dogs on beaches
Dogs are restricted to being on a lead on all beaches between 10.30 am and 6.00 pm between 1st May to 30th September. Beaches can become overcrowded during this period of restriction especially when the tide is high.
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Why continue the restrictions until 30th September when not only are children back at school but potentially the peak tourist season is at an end?
Given that the beaches tend to be most popular between June and early September, it would make sense to amend the restriction period to between 30th May to 7th 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.
1,910 signatures
5,000
Ministers responded
This response was given on 17 July 2026
The Minister for Sustainable Economic Development has accepted this petition and is preparing the necessary legislation for the States Assembly to consider.
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. 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.
Reforming the rules applying to dog owners more broadly is actively being looked at by the new Minister for Planning and Regulation, Sir Mark Boleat. I will be working with him and the Comité de Connétables to update this legislation.
At 5,000 signatures...
This petition will be considered for debate by the States Assembly
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Impact of the Election Period on Ministerial Response time frames
Due to the forthcoming Election and the restrictions imposed on Ministers by the Election Period, it will not be possible for the Minister to respond to this e-petition within the set time frame of 28 days. A response will be issued once the new Minister is appointed after the Election.