From today until mid-September, dogs and horses are allowed on Longis Beach in Alderney during set hours, to work out if the island needs to change its access rules.
The trial will be repeated next year too, while dogs and horses will remain banned from other beaches as normal during the summer months.
The States of Alderney agreed to the trial, allowing the animals on Longis Beach between 17:00 and 08:00 for the next few months, after getting public feedback.
There was a “mixed but overall supportive response to a managed change,” said a States spokesperson.
“The survey highlighted support for limited access at specific times of day, while also identifying Longis Beach as the preferred location for a trial,” they added.
Having debated the idea last week, the States “carefully considered both the potential benefits and the concerns raised”.
“These included improved accessibility for dog owners and animal welfare benefits, alongside concerns around fouling, animal control, the safety of children, and the
potential impact on other beach users and wildlife”, explained the spokesperson.
The trial will be monitored this summer and next, with an emphasis on responsible ownership.
Dog and horse owners will need to keep their animals under control at all times, and clean up any mess promptly. Consideration must also be given to other beach users.
