“Why is it that Jersey makes it so difficult for families to own pets?”

Tuesday 21 November 2017

St Helier has appointed two wardens to patrol its parks and keep an eye on whether dogs are being let off the lead, or are causing a nuisance.

They got the job after parishioners expressed concerns at a parish meeting, and are there to monitor social problems such as people drinking alcohol in the parks as well.

Walking a dog off-lead in St Helier parks and gardens has been forbidden since at least 2005 under the Policing of Parks Regulations. Currently, the only place where dogs are allowed to run free is the Glacis Field  Some parks, such as Parade Gardens, La Collette and Westmount Gardens and Victoria Park even require dogs to be kept, "...within the confines of established paths while it is in the park."

With the exception of guide dogs, dogs are also prohibited from entering Springfield Sports Ground and Howard Davis Park, and any offender could face a fine of up to £200. 

While the restrictions are not new,  the Parish is stepping up surveillance in the parks. Tony Andrews, the Director for Parks, Cemeteries and Open Spaces, explained: "Regulations are not recent and yes, dog walking off-lead in a majority of parks has always been forbidden. The only change is that we now have two wardens who have started with us this month and who will be on patrol in Parish parks, although honorary police may also on occasion police these areas.

"The two wardens were put forward by the parishioners at the Rates Assembly for the policing of Parks regulations. It was due to various concerns which includes dogs, drinkers and general controls, and because parishioners wanted someone to approach for assistance and advice in the parks."

Pictured: A sign advising dog owners at Parade Gardens.

But some dog owners have not welcomed the news. A young mum, who visits People's Park almost daily to walk her dog, sparked a discussion on Facebook when she wrote that her husband had been advised of the change. She vented her frustration saying: "Now I would understand if this particular park was inundated with visitors/unruly dogs/dog poo. But it is not. I appreciate that some money is due to be spent on the park/flowers/children's playground BUT the park is an ideal location for lots of families to walk their pets."

The woman, who says that she has never come across dog poo in the two months that she has been visiting the park, added that she has met a lot of lovely owners and their pets on her walks. Furthermore, she says that with walking restrictions in place from 1 May to 30 September on beaches, she will have to drive away from town to walk her pup in the summer months.

In her post, she added: "The police officer said we can always use the beach. Except we can't. Because during half of the year, our dogs cannot run free on any beach during daytime. I am also frustrated that in order to give my dog a run everyday I will now have to drive. As a young hardworking family this is a lot of extra money that was unnecessary!  We have loved crossing the road everyday (on lead) to play ball with our dog. Why is it that Jersey makes it so difficult for families to own pets? Why is it that non-dog owners seem to have it their way everywhere?"

Pictured: Dogs have to be on the lead on beaches from May to September between 10:30 and 18:00.

Other owners hit out at the news. Charlie Mallet noted: "I just think that it’s a small minority that dislikes dogs and a small minority of dog owners who ruin it for others."  Anya O'Brien added: "I would understand the restriction if a child or a person had been attacked in the park. However dog owners should really have their dogs under control if they are off the lead.

"We don't have a dog park in Jersey and I'm surprised this is still the case as most places around the world have one. It makes Jersey look a bit backward and let's just say old-fashioned. Considering how many dogs there are on the island it's just silly that this is now a restriction when there are so many restrictions. If only they left us with the option of walking dogs off the leads on the beach and that's it."

Luckily, it looks like the Parish might be considering a dog-only park in town. Their website indicates: "At this time the Parish are exploring the possibility of relaxing access to some parks so that dogs may be walked in areas other than the designated paths as long as they are kept on a lead as well as providing a park or park area which may be designated as a park where dogs may be exercised off the lead.  Any news on this will be published in due course.