The rules over when dogs can and can’t go on beaches in Alderney could change.
The States are to consider relaxing the current restrictions for a trial period.
The rules currently state that dogs are completely banned from all beaches between 1 June and 15 September.
If States Members agree, dogs and horses will be allowed on Longis Beach between 17:00 and 08:00 over the summer months this year and next.
A States spokesperson said this would allow them to “assess how a managed change could operate in practice,” adding that it would also assist in “balancing the needs of different beach users and protecting the island’s environment”.
The proposed trial comes following a recent survey of 640 residents, visitors, and second-home owners.
That found more than half of respondents (53.6%) didn’t support the current full ban with 44% supporting it.
A majority supported allowing access during restricted hours (57.9%), specifically overnight.
Longis Beach was identified as the preferred location for such a trial, followed by the eastern end of Braye.
70.4% of those responding to the survey said their most significant concern would be dog or horse mess not being picked up.
The next most common concern were uncontrolled dogs or dogs not on a leash (59.1%), while the safety of children registered third with 43.7%.
There were also concerns raised regarding any impact on other beach users and wildlife.
The States of Alderney will be debating the issue this coming week.