Each year, dogs are banned from seven bays in Guernsey, between May and October.

As well as allowing people who don’t like dogs somewhere to go during the summer months, it also gives breeding birds some protection with a voluntary ban in two further areas, covering Richmond Beach and Lihou Island, including the Lihou causeway. 

The dog free beaches between 1 May and 30 September are Fermain, Petit Bot, L’Erée, Vazon (Northern end), Cobo, Port Soif, L’Ancresse and Pembroke.

That means dogs are allowed on all other beaches including: Bordeaux Harbour Beach, Grandes Rocques Beach, Saint’s Bay, Perelle, Portelet, Moulin Huet Bay, Petit Port, Marble Bay, Havelet Bay, Belle Grève Bay. 

Some dog owners have said that isn’t enough though and they would like the summer beach ban to be delayed, or cancelled this year, so that dog owners can continue walking their pets on all of the island’s beaches during the lockdown.

dog beach swimming petit bot

Pictured: Tondi enjoying a spring-time swim at Petit Bot. 

Some of the people commenting on the Guernsey Dog Forum on Facebook suggested the dog friendly beaches will be too busy as the lockdown continues into May, meaning dog owners and their pets won’t be able to socially distance from each other.

One commenter said: “Think they should leave it as and allow people to carry on walking dogs on all beaches as if not there will be too many people pushed into the same areas which could affect the social distancing! Also it will deter people to sunbathe and ‘just sit’ on the beaches for long periods instead of adhering to the rules of ‘exercising’…”

Another added: “I see so many more families utilising the beaches for their walks lately as the vast space gives great opportunity to adhere to the social distancing rules. It would be a shame to limit the beach to just a few across the island.”

Some people disagreed though, with one dog owner saying there are plenty of beaches to choose from.

“As dog owners we have the majority of the beaches to take our dogs on already. Out of 30 there’s only seven beaches that family’s can go and enjoy without dogs running up to them.”

The Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure, which is responsible for the island’s coastline, agrees.

E&I President, Deputy Barry Brehaut said it would not be simple to change the law to overrule the beach ban this year, and that it is not going to happen. 

“The longstanding controls affecting dogs on beaches is set out in the Control of Dogs Ordinance 1992, and dictates that the measures come into force on 1st May and last until 30th September inclusive each year.

“This piece of legislation does not contain any powers that could be used for a simple and quick adjustment even if the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure wished to make such a change given the current circumstances. Amending the legislation would require approval of the States of Deliberation or the use of emergency powers.

“Additionally the shoreline is a haven for feeding birds, so the Committee is conscious that any decision to lift the restrictions would put more pressure on visiting and native species at this crucial time of year. Given all the relevant circumstances, the Committee has decided to maintain the status quo.”

Pictured: Tondi enjoying a walk at Petit Bot.